Implantable reporting processor for an alert implant

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides alert implants that comprise a medical device and an implantable reporting processor (IRP), where one example of such a medical device includes a component for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) such as a tibial extension, a femoral component for hip replacements, a breast implant, a distal rod for arm or leg breakage repair, a scoliosis rod, a dynamic hip screw, a spinal interbody spacer, and tooling and methods that may be used to form the alert implant, and uses of such alert implants in the health maintenance of patients who receive the implant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

All applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim isidentified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to in vivo implants, and morespecifically to alert implants with implantable reporting processorsthat may, e.g., monitor host activity, store measurements and outputdata, as well as features of alert implants including space-efficientcircuit assemblies therefor, enhanced transmitting antennaconfigurations therefor, and implants that can transfer the data to anexternal recipient via a wireless communication link.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices and implants have become common-place in modernmedicine. Typically, medical devices and implants are manufactured toreplace, support, or enhance an anatomical or biological structure. Whenthe medical device is located on the surface of the patient, the deviceis readily viewable by the patient and the attending health careprofessional. However, when the medical device is designed to beimplanted in a patient, i.e., is an implantable medical device or amedical implant, it is typically not readily viewable.

Examples of medical implants include orthopedic implants such as hip andknee prosthesis; spinal implants and hardware (spinal cages, screws,plates, pins, rods and artificial discs); intrauterine devices;orthopedic hardware used to repair fractures and soft tissue injuries(casts, braces, tensor bandages, plates, screws, pins and plates);cochlear implants; aesthetic implants (breast implants, fillers); anddental implants.

Unfortunately, various complications may arise during insertion of themedical implant (whether it is an open surgical procedure or a minimallyinvasive procedure). For example, a surgeon may wish to confirm correctanatomical alignment and placement of the implant within surroundingtissues and structures. This can however be difficult to do during theprocedure itself, making corrective adjustments difficult.

In addition, a patient may experience a number of complicationspost-procedure. Such complications include neurological symptoms, pain,malfunction (blockage, loosening, etc.) and/or wear of the implant,movement or breakage of the implant, inflammation and/or infection.While some of these problems can be addressed with pharmaceuticalproducts and/or further surgery, they are difficult to predict andprevent; often early identification of complications and side effects isdifficult or impossible.

The present invention discloses novel medical devices, including medicalimplants, which can overcome difficulties and limitations found withprevious medical devices and implants, methods for constructing andmonitoring these novel medical devices and implants, and furtherprovides other related advantages.

All of the subject matter discussed in the Background section is notnecessarily prior art and should not be assumed to be prior art merelyas a result of its discussion in the Background section. Along theselines, any recognition of problems in the prior art discussed in theBackground section or associated with such subject matter should not betreated as prior art unless expressly stated to be prior art. Instead,the discussion of any subject matter in the Background section should betreated as part of the inventor's approach to the particular problem,which in and of itself may also be inventive.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, and in various embodiments, the present disclosureprovides implantable devices which may be utilized to monitor and reportthe post-surgical activities and progress of the patient involved, aswell as features thereof. The present disclosure provides an alertimplant that achieves the benefit of a medical implant, e.g., thebenefit afforded by a prosthesis which replaces or supplements a naturalfunction of a patient, while also achieving the benefit of monitoringand reporting, which provides insight into the function and/or conditionof the device and/or the patient who has received the implanted device.In one embodiment, the implantable device is an in-vivo implantableprosthesis that can be implanted into the body of a living host (alsoreferred to as a patient), for example, to improve the function of, orto replace, a biological structure or organ of the patient's body.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a reporting processor that isintended to be implanted with a medical device, e.g., a prosthesis,where the reporting processor monitors the state of the device afterimplantation. This reporting processor is also referred to as animplantable reporting processor or IRP. As discussed herein, the stateof the device may include the integrity of the device, the movement ofthe device, the forces exerted on the device and other informationrelevant to the implanted device. The present disclosure also providesmedical devices having a structure such that they can be readily fittedwith an IRP. An implantable medical device that has been fitted with anIRP is referred to herein as an alert implant, in recognition that theimplant is monitoring its own state or condition to thereby obtain data,where that data is stored in the implant and then as needed, that datais transmitted to a separate device for review by, e.g., a physician.

For example, an alert implantable device of the present disclosurehaving suitable internal electronic components can be utilized tomonitor and measure the movements of a surgical patient's syntheticjoint (prosthesis) implanted via a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), storethe measurement data and unique identification information of theprosthetic components, and transfer the data to an external recipient(e.g., doctor, clinician, medical assistant, etc.) as required. The IRPwill include one or more sensors, such as gyroscopes, accelerometers,and temperature and pressure sensors, and these sensors may be locatedanywhere within the IRP outer casing, e.g., they may all be located onthe PC board. In one embodiment, e.g., when the alert implant is a jointprosthesis, the IRP makes kinematic measurements, and in anotherembodiment the IRP makes only kinematic measurements. Thus, an alertjoint implant may include sensors for kinematic measurements, todetermine the movements experienced by the implanted prosthesis.

As another example, an alert implantable device with suitable internalelectronic components can be utilized to monitor and measure the statusof a surgical patient's synthetic breast implant which is implanted viabreast reconstruction surgery, where exemplary measurements includemeasuring pressure—in which case the outside surface of the IRP includesa communication window or port, e.g., a membrane through which pressuremay be measured, and/or a gyroscope to provide a measure of implantorientation. With such measurements, it can be determined whether thebreast implant is stiffening and/or leaking fluid. The IRP of a breastimplant will store the measurement data and unique identificationinformation of the implant, and transfer the data to an externalrecipient (e.g., doctor, clinician, medical assistant, etc.) asrequired.

Other examples of alert medical devices include a component for a totalor partial joint replacement, such as occurs during a total kneearthroplasty (TKA) where the IRP may be a component of, or attached to,a tibial extension; or such as occurs during a hip replacement, wherethe IRP may be a component of or attached to the femoral component forhip replacements. Other examples of a medical device that may becombined with an IRP to provide an alert implant include a breastimplant, a lumbar interbody cage, and a leg intramedullary rod.

The IRP and the medical device are each intended to be implanted into aliving subject, e.g., a mammal, e.g., a human, horse, dog, etc.Accordingly, in one embodiment the IRP is sterile, e.g., is treated withsterilizing radiation or is treated with ethylene oxide. In anotherembodiment, the alert implant comprising the IRP and the medical deviceis sterile, again optionally by treatment with sterilizing radiation orethylene oxide, as two examples. In order to be protected from the invivo environment, in one embodiment the IRP is hermetically sealed, sothat fluids cannot enter into the IRP.

The implantable device needs to be sturdy as well as small orspace-efficient because of the limited space within the body and/orwithin the prosthetic implant to place such devices. Challenges to thecommercial success of an implantable device with internal electroniccomponents and either internal or external transmitting antennae arethat the devices and/or the transmitting antennae should not beunsuitably large, their power consumption should allow them to operatefor a suitably long period of time, i.e., not for limited durations, andthey should not be adversely affected by their local biologicenvironment. An IRP may have suitable internal or externalspace-efficient and/or power-efficient antennae.

The alert implant will optionally have a power source needed to run theelectronics inside the IRP that measures, records and transmits dataconcerning the state of the implant. Some medical implants already havea power supply. An example of an in-vivo implantable prosthesis that canimprove the function of an organ and which has a power supply is animplantable atrial defibrillator, which detects when a heart enters intoan abnormal rhythm commonly known as “atrial fibrillation,” and whichgenerates one or more electrical pulses to restore the heart to a normalsinus rhythm. Typically, this power supply is in the form of a battery.

Because the electrical charge on the battery may last a relatively shortperiod of time, the prosthesis is typically located in a region of thebody from which it is practical to remove the prosthesis to replace thebattery, or to recharge the battery. For example, an atrialdefibrillator is typically implanted just under the skin of a patient'schest. To replace the battery, a surgeon makes an incision, removes theold defibrillator, implants a new defibrillator containing a newbattery, and closes the incision. Or, the patient or a physician, suchas a cardiologist, recharges the battery, without removing thedefibrillator from the subject, by placing, over the implanteddefibrillator, a device that recharges the battery via inductive(sometimes called magnetic) coupling.

Unfortunately, removing a prosthesis to replace a battery is oftenundesirable, at least because it involves an invasive procedure that canbe relatively expensive and that can have adverse side effects, such asinfection and soreness. Although inductively recharging an implantedbattery is non-invasive, it may be impractical or impossible to locatethe prosthesis such that the battery may be inductively recharged.Additionally, the size of the coils necessary to transfer power arelarge relative to the device, and this can pose a problem in the limitedspace available within the body. The time for re-charging can beexcessive, lack of coil alignment can cause excess heat generation,which potentially can damage surrounding tissue, and the inductivebattery configuration can render the implant incompatible with MRI use.Additionally, battery chemistries that are compatible with recharging(i.e., secondary cell) generally have a significantly reducedenergy-storage capacity in comparison to batteries of similar sizeconstructed using non-rechargeable chemistries (i.e., primary cell).

An alternative that can overcome this latter problem is to implant thebattery remotely from the implanted prosthesis in a location in which itis practical to inductively recharge the battery. An advantage ofimplanting the battery remotely from the implanted prosthesis is thatthe battery can be made larger, and thus longer lasting, than it wouldbe if it were located inside of the prosthesis. But implanting thebattery remotely from the implanted prosthesis can have severaldisadvantages. For example, even though the battery is suitably locatedfor inductive recharging, the recharging equipment can be too expensiveor too complex for home use, the patient may forget to recharge thedevice, and periodically visiting the doctor to recharge the battery maybe inconvenient and expensive for the patient. Furthermore, it can bedifficult to implant the wires used to couple the battery to the remote(from the battery) implanted prosthesis or if powering the implantsensors wirelessly from the rechargeable battery, the sensors may belimited in measurement capability. Moreover, because the battery istypically implanted just below the skin to heighten theinductive-coupling coefficient, it can be visible, and thusembarrassing, to the patient, and it can make the patient physicallyuncomfortable.

Thus, the IRP may contain a power source (e.g., a battery) as well asmechanisms to manage the power output of an implanted power source, sothat the power source will provide power for a sufficient period of timeregardless of the location of the power source within a body of apatient. The IRP may contain the only power source present in the alertimplant.

An example of a battery suitable for use with an implantable reporterprocessor includes a container sized to fit inside of bone of a livingpatient, and has a lifetime, such as years, that is sufficient to powerthe electronic circuitry within the implantable reporter processor for aperiod of time that is suitable for a prosthesis in which theimplantable reporter processor is installed. The battery can beconfigured for disposal directly in the bone, or can be configured fordisposal in a portion of the implantable reporting processor that isdisposed in the bone. Or, the battery can be configured for disposal ina region of a living body other than a bone where it is impractical torecharge the battery, and where it is impractical to replace the batterybefore replacing a prosthesis or other device with which the battery isassociated.

The IRP comprises an outer casing that encloses a plurality ofcomponents. Exemplary suitable IRP components include a signal portal,an electronics assembly, and a power source. In one embodiment, the IRPdoes include each of a signal portal, an electronics assembly and apower source. The signal portal functions to receive and transmitwireless signals, and may contain, for example, an antenna fortransmitting the wireless signals. The electronics assembly includes acircuit assembly which may comprise, e.g., a PC board and electricalcomponents formed on one or more integrated circuits (ICs) or chips,such as a radio transmitter chip, a real-time clock chip, one or moresensor components, e.g., an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) chip,temperature sensor, pressure sensor, pedometer, a memory chip, and thelike. In addition, the electronics assembly includes a header assemblywhich provides a communication interface between the circuit assemblyand the signal portal (e.g., antenna). The power source provides theenergy needed to operate the IRP, and may be, for example, a battery.The IRP will also include one or more sensors, such as gyroscopes,accelerometers, pedometers, and temperature and pressure sensors, andthese sensors may be located anywhere within the IRP outer casing, e.g.,they may all be located on the PC board. More precisely, an embodimentof the present invention is directed to space-efficient, printed-circuitassemblies (PCAs) for an implantable reporting processor (IRP). Theimplantable reporting processor may also include a plurality oftransmitting antennae structured in different configurations. As such,an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a plurality ofenhanced space-efficient and power-efficient antenna configurations foran implantable reporting processor, such as an IRP.

An example of an implantable reporting processor includes an outercasing, or housing, sized to fit in, or to form a part of, a prosthesisthat has at least a portion designed to fit in a bone of a livingpatient. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the housing and isconfigured to provide, to a destination outside of a patient's body,information related to the prosthesis. The battery is also disposed inthe housing and is coupled to the electronic circuitry.

An example of a prosthesis includes a receptacle for receiving theimplantable reporting processor, which can be designed to fit into acavity formed in a bone of a living patient. For example, theimplantable reporting processor can be disposed in, or form part of, atibial extension of a knee prosthesis, where the tibial extension isdesigned to fit into a cavity formed in the tibia of the living patient.

The power profile of the electronic circuitry of the implantablereporting processor can be configured so that the battery has a desiredanticipated lifetime suitable for the type of prosthesis (or otherdevice) with which the battery is associated. For example, such adesired anticipated lifetime may range from 1 to 15+ years, e.g., 10years. An embodiment of such circuitry includes a supply node configuredto be coupled to a battery, at least one peripheral circuit, aprocessing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to couplethe at least one peripheral circuit to the supply node, and a timingcircuit coupled to the supply node and configured to activate theprocessing circuit at a set time or set times.

A base station may be provided to facilitate communications with theimplantable reporting processor, and to act as an interface between thereporting processor and another computing system, such as a database orremote server on “the cloud,” before and after the implantable reportingprocessor is implanted in the body of a patient as part of a prosthesis.The base station can have different configurations. For example, thebase station can be configured for use by a surgeon or otherprofessional before the prosthesis is implanted. The base station alsocan be configured for use in the residence of the patient. For example,the base station can be configured to poll the implantable reportingprocessor, periodically and automatically (for example, while thepatient is sleeping), for information that the processor obtains orgenerates regarding the prosthesis, and to provide this information tothe other computing system for storage or analysis via a wirelessinternet connection. And the base station can be configured for use in adoctor's office while the doctor is checking the operation of theprosthesis and the patient's health as it relates to the prosthesis.Furthermore, the network to which the base station belongs can include avoice-command device (e.g., Amazon Echo®, Amazon Dot®, Google Home®)that is configured to interact with the base station.

In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tool that maybe used to bring two pieces together under force. More specifically, thetool is used to exert force on a first piece, where the first piece isadjacent to a second piece, and the second piece is held stationary. Theforce exerted on the tool is transmitted to the first piece, whereuponthe first piece is pressed against the stationary second piece. The toolis intended for the situation where the first and second pieces havecomplementary mating surfaces, such that when the first and secondpieces are forced against one another at the location of the matingsurfaces, and under force generated through the tool of the presentdisclosure, the mating surfaces hold together, at least in part byfrictional forces. In this way, two separate (first and second) piecesare combined to form a joined piece. The tool of the present disclosureis particularly advantageous in the situation where the first piece hasboth fragile and non-fragile regions, and the tool contacts the firstpiece at non-fragile regions only. In this way, a first piece havingfragile regions can be pressed into a second piece, leaving the fragileregions unharmed. The tool is useful, for example, in assembling analert implant of the present disclosure.

This Brief Summary has been provided to introduce certain concepts in asimplified form that are further described in detail below in theDetailed Description. Except where otherwise expressly stated, thisBrief Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the descriptionbelow. The features illustrated or described in connection with oneexemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of otherembodiments. Thus, any of the various embodiments described herein canbe combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodimentscan be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents,applications and publications as identified herein to provide yetfurther embodiments. Other features, objects and advantages will beapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary features of the present disclosure, its nature and variousadvantages will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments. Non-limiting andnon-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein like labels or reference numbers refer tolike parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Thesizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are notnecessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elementsare selected, enlarged, and positioned to improve drawing legibility.The particular shapes of the elements as drawn have been selected forease of recognition in the drawings. One or more embodiments aredescribed hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a subject who is fitted with an alertjoint prosthesis at optional locations, where a prosthesis communicateswith an external data storage medium.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tibial component that can be utilizedto implement one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reportingprocessor that can be utilized to implement the implantable reportingprocessor depicted in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronics assembly thatcan be utilized to implement the electronics assembly depicted in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are detailed views of an exemplary electronicsassembly including a three-board folded printed circuit assembly thatcan be utilized to implement the electronics assembly depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary electronics assemblythat can be utilized to implement the electronics assembly depicted inFIG. 3 .

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second reporting processor includingan electronics assembly that can be utilized to implement theelectronics assembly depicted in FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are perspective views of a reportingprocessor with circular-stacked printed circuit assembly that can beutilized to implement exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary reporting processor withan enhanced antenna configuration that can be utilized to implement thereporting processor depicted in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 9B is a detailed view of exemplary internal components that can beutilized to implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a second exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor depicted inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 10B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a third exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor depicted inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 11B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor depicted inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 12B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor depicted inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 13B is a first detailed view of exemplary components that can beutilized to implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a second detailed view of the exemplary components that canbe utilized to implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a sixth exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor depicted inFIG. 2 .

FIG. 14B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary reportingprocessor that can be utilized to implement the reporting processordepicted in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 15B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor depicted in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a tibial component that can beutilized to implement the tibial component depicted in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 16B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor and tibial plate antenna depictedin FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tibial component of an implanted kneeprosthesis that includes an implantable reporting processor, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 18A is an exploded view of the tibial component of the kneeprosthesis of FIG. 17 , according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a side view the implantable reporting processor of FIGS. 17and 18A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19A is a side view, with portions broken away, of the implantablereporting processor of FIGS. 17 and 18B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19B is an exploded view of the implantable reporting processor ofFIGS. 17-19A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the battery of FIGS. 19A and 19B,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21A is an exploded view of the electronic-circuit assembly of FIGS.19A and 19B, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21B is an end view of the electronic-circuit module of FIG. 21A,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a side view of an implantable hip prosthesis that includes animplantable reporting processor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a breast implant that includes animplantable reporting processor, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side view of human breast anatomy showing placement of thebreast implant of FIG. 23 subglandular and submuscular, according to anembodiment

FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of the battery of FIG. 20 , and theantenna and the electronic circuitry of FIG. 21A, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 26 is a state diagram of the operation of the electronic circuitryof FIG. 21A over the lifetime of the battery of FIG. 20 , according toan embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a base station for facilitating communicationswith the implantable reporting processor prior to, during, and after aprosthesis with which the implantable reporting processor is associatedis implanted in a subject, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of network that includes a base station forfacilitating communications with the implantable reporting processorwhile a subject, in which is implanted a prosthesis related to theimplantable reporting processor, is away from a medical facility,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of a base station for facilitating communicationswith the implantable reporting processor while a subject, in which isimplanted a prosthesis related to the implantable reporting processor,is at a medical facility such as a doctor's office, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the base station of FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a cut-away view of a portion of the base station of FIG. 30 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a cut-away view of another portion of the base station ofFIG. 30 , according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33A is a schematic block diagram of the circuitry of the basestation of FIG. 30 , according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33B is a diagram of a network that includes voice-command deviceand a base station for facilitating communications with the implantablereporting processor while a subject, in which is implanted a prosthesisrelated to the implantable reporting processor, is away from a medicalfacility, according to an embodiment

FIG. 34 illustrates a context diagram of a kinematic implantable deviceenvironment.

FIG. 35 is an exemplary system diagram of a kinematic implantable devicein accordance with embodiments described herein.

FIG. 36 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for configuring the kinematic implantable device from anoperating room base station.

FIG. 37 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of akinematic data collection, storage, and data communication process.

FIG. 38 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for temporarily increasing an amount of datacollected by the kinematic implantable device and transferring the datato a doctor office base station in accordance with embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary system diagram of a base station in accordancewith embodiments described herein.

FIG. 40 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for configuring a kinematic implantable device from an operatingroom base station.

FIG. 41 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for receiving kinematic data at a home base station from akinematic implantable device that collected the kinematic data.

FIG. 42 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for receiving, at a doctor office base station and from akinematic implantable device, kinematic data that was collected by thekinematic implantable device.

FIG. 43 is an exemplary distributed computing system for alertimplantable medical devices.

FIG. 44 is exemplary computing server embodiment.

FIG. 45 is a data flow diagram of a timeline associated with aparticular kinematic implantable device embodiment.

FIG. 46 is a data flow diagram representing information passing into andout of a computing server.

FIG. 47A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a tool of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 47B is a side perspective view of the tool embodiment of FIG. 47A.

FIG. 47C is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the side perspectiveview of FIG. 47B.

FIG. 48 illustrates the use of a tool of the present disclosure toachieve a tight fit between two pieces.

FIG. 49 illustrates the use of a tool of the present disclosure toachieve a tight fit between two pieces.

FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of a tool embodiment of the presentdisclosure, having a hinge.

FIG. 51A shows a perspective view of a tool embodiment of the presentdisclosure, having a handle.

FIG. 51B is a cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 51A.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of a tool of the present disclosure,having two handles.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a tool of the present disclosure,having one handle and a hinged opening mechanism.

FIG. 54 shows an embodiment of a tool of the present disclosure beingused to force together a tibial extension having a fragile surface, anda tibial plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments of the inventionincluded herein. Prior to setting forth this disclosure in more detail,it may be helpful to an understanding thereof to provide definitions ofcertain terms to be used herein. Additional definitions are set forththroughout this disclosure.

The following description, along with the accompanying drawings, setsforth certain specific details in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that the disclosed embodiments may bepracticed in various combinations, without one or more of these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, devices, materials, etc. Inother instances, well-known structures or components that are associatedwith the environment of the present disclosure, including but notlimited to the communication systems and networks, have not been shownor described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions ofthe embodiments. Additionally, the various embodiments may be methods,systems, media, or devices. Accordingly, the various embodiments may beentirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments, orembodiments combining software and hardware aspects.

Certain words and phrases used in the specification are set forth asfollows. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivativesthereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or,” is inclusive,meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associatedtherewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, beincluded within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within,connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperatewith, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,have a property of, or the like. The term “controller” means any device,system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such adevice may be implemented in hardware (e.g., electronic circuitry),firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two of the same.The functionality associated with any particular controller may becentralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Otherdefinitions of certain words and phrases may be provided within thispatent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatin many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as wellas future uses of such defined words and phrases.

An “alert prosthesis,” as used in the present disclosure, is animplantable or implanted medical device that desirably replaces orfunctionally supplements a subject's natural body part. As used herein,the term “alert prosthesis” is interchangeably referred to as an “alertimplant,” a “smart implant,” a “smart medical device,” or by anotherlike term. When the alert prosthesis makes kinematic measurements, itmay be referred to as a “kinematic medical device,” or a “kinematicimplantable device”. In describing the present invention, reference maybe made to a kinematic implantable device, however it should beunderstood that this is exemplary only of the alert prostheses which maybe employed in the present invention. Whether or not the alertprosthesis makes kinematic, or makes other or additional measurements,the prosthesis will comprise an implantable reporting processor (IRP).The alert prosthesis is an implanted or implantable medical devicehaving an implantable reporting processor arranged to perform thefunctions as described herein. The alert prosthesis may perform one ormore of the following exemplary actions in order to characterize thepost-implantation status of the alert prosthesis: identifying the alertprosthesis or a portion of the alert prosthesis, e.g., by recognizingone or more unique identification codes for the alert prosthesis or aportion of the alert prosthesis; detecting, sensing and/or measuringparameters, which may collectively be referred to as monitoringparameters, in order to collect operational, kinematic, or other dataabout the alert prosthesis or a portion of the alert prosthesis andwherein such data may optionally be collected as a function of time;storing the collected data within the alert prosthesis or a portion ofthe alert prosthesis; and communicating the collected data and/or thestored data by a wireless means from the alert prosthesis or a portionof the alert prosthesis to an external computing device. The externalcomputing device may have or otherwise have access to at least one datastorage location such as found on a personal computer, a base station, acomputer network, a cloud-based storage system, or another computingdevice that has access to such storage. Non-limiting and non-exhaustivelist of embodiments of alert prostheses include total joint arthroplastysuch as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a tibial extension, a femoralcomponent for hip replacements, a breast implant, a distal rod for armor leg breakage repair, a scoliosis rod, a dynamic hip screw, a spinalinterbody spacer, an annuloplasty ring, a heart valve, and a vascularstent graft.

“Kinematic data,” as used herein, individually or collectively includessome or all data associated with a particular kinematic implantabledevice and available for communication outside of the particularkinematic implantable device. For example, kinematic data may includeraw data from one or more sensors of a kinematic implantable device,wherein the one or more sensors include such as gyroscopes,accelerometers, pedometers, strain gauges, and the like that producedata associated with motion, force, tension, velocity, or othermechanical forces. Kinematic data may also include processed data fromone or more sensors, status data, operational data, control data, faultdata, time data, scheduled data, event data, log data, and the likeassociated with the particular kinematic implantable device. In somecases, high resolution kinematic data includes kinematic data from one,many, or all of the sensors of the kinematic implantable device that iscollected in higher quantities, resolution, from more sensors, morefrequently, or the like.

In one embodiment, kinematics refers to the measurement of thepositions, angles, velocities, and accelerations of body segments andjoints during motion. Body segments are considered to be rigid bodiesfor the purposes of describing the motion of the body. They include thefoot, shank (leg), thigh, pelvis, thorax, hand, forearm, upper-arm andhead. Joints between adjacent segments include the ankle (talocruralplus subtalar joints), knee, hip, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Positiondescribes the location of a body segment or joint in space, measured interms of distance, e.g., in meters. A related measurement calleddisplacement refers to the position with respect to a starting position.In two dimensions, the position is given in Cartesian co-ordinates, withhorizontal followed by vertical position. In one embodiment, a kinematicimplant or alert kinematic implants obtains kinematic data, andoptionally only obtains only kinematic data.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a subject 100 who has been fitted with atleast one alert joint prosthesis selected from a knee prosthesis (A), ahip prosthesis (B), a shoulder prosthesis (C), an ankle prosthesis (D),an elbow prosthesis (E) and a wrist prosthesis (F). The alert prosthesismonitors and transmits data concerning the prosthesis and its status toat least one of a computing server 102, a network 104, and a basestation 106, where the transmission may occur by wireless signaltransmission 108. The data may be transmitted by wireless signals 108 toa base station 106, and then from base station 106 to either or both ofa network cloud 104, e.g., the internet, and a remote computing device102.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tibial component 200 that can beutilized to implement one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.For example, the tibial component 200 shown in FIG. 2 can include animplanted medical device for a TKA, such as a tibial extension and thelike. Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the tibialcomponent 200 includes a tibial plate 202 physically attached to anupper surface of a tibia 204. For example, the tibial plate 202 can be abase plate section of an artificial knee joint (prosthesis) that can beimplanted during a surgical procedure, such as a TKA. During thesurgical procedure, an implantable reporting processor 206 can bephysically attached to the tibial plate 202 and also implanted into thetibia 204. For the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the tibialcomponent 200 includes the tibial plate 202 and the reporting processor206, which are surgically implanted to form a tibial extension 208.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a reportingprocessor 206 that can be utilized to implement the implantablereporting processor 206 depicted in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 2 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the implantable reportingprocessor 206 can be implemented, for example, utilizing an IRPassembly. As such, for the exemplary embodiment shown, the implantablereporting processor 206 includes an outer casing 210 that encloses apower component (battery) 212, an electronics assembly 214, and anantenna 216. One component of the casing is the radome 215, used tocover and protect the antenna which allows the implantable reportingprocessor to receive and transmit information. The radome 215 can bemade from any material, such as plastic or ceramic, that allowsradio-frequency (RF) signals to propagate through the radome withacceptable levels of attenuation and other signal degradation.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the diameter of the power component212 and the electronics assembly 214 is approximately 8 mm, and theircombined length is approximately 43 mm. The antenna 216 is approximately20 mm long. The outer casing 210 can include a set-screw engagement hole218, which can be utilized to physically attach the reporting processor206 to the tibial plate 202, as depicted in FIG. 2 . It is understoodthat the mechanism for affixing the alert implant to the tibial plate orother implant may also include threaded fasteners as well as a varietyof clips and locking mechanisms.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary electronics assembly 214that can be utilized to implement the electronics assembly 214 depictedin the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 . Referring to FIG. 4 , theelectronics assembly 214 includes a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220,which is physically attached and electrically connected to a headerassembly 222. For this exemplary embodiment, the printed circuitassembly 220 includes three rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) withelectronic components (e.g., integrated circuit chips) mounted thereonand electrically interconnected utilizing flexible conductive wiring,such as, for example, flexible flat cable fabricated as an inner layerof the PCB (e.g., rigid-flex). The exemplary printed circuit assembly(220) configuration shown with three printed circuit boards, which arefolded over so as to overlap each other and thus save physical space,may be characterized as a tri-fold printed circuit assembly. Theexemplary electronics assembly 214 also includes a printed circuitassembly clip 224, which is utilized to physically affix the printedcircuit assembly 220 to one side of the header assembly 222. The clip224 can be made of a suitable sturdy and corrosion-resistant material,such as, for example, titanium (Ti) and the like. The other side of theheader assembly 222 includes two antenna connections 226, which can beutilized as mounting points and electrical connections for an antenna.Thus, the header assembly 222 can function to electrically andphysically connect an antenna to, for example, a radio transmittercircuit mounted on one of the printed circuit boards of the printedcircuit assembly 220. The exemplary electronics assembly 214 alsoincludes a case 228, which is physically affixed to the header assembly222 and thereby utilized to enclose and hermetically seal the printedcircuit assembly 220 and printed circuit assembly clip 224 within. Forexample, the case 228 can be made of a suitable sturdy andcorrosion-resistant material, such as titanium (Ti) and the like.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C provides a detailed view of an exemplary electronicsassembly including a three-board folded printed circuit assembly (PCA)that can be utilized to implement the electronics assembly 214 depictedin FIG. 4 . Referring to FIG. 5B, the electronics assembly 214 includesa PCA 220, which is affixed by a clip to the header assembly shown. ThePCA 220 is enclosed (and hermetically sealed) by a case 5002 as shown inFIG. 5A. One antenna connection or terminal 5004 (e.g., of two antennaconnections or terminals) and a battery connection or terminal 5000 areshown in FIG. 5A. Thus, the electronics assembly 214 can be coupledphysically and electrically to a transmission antenna and powercomponent (e.g., battery) at either end. An exploded view of the PCA 220is also shown, see FIG. 5C. Specifically, the PCA 220 depicted in theexploded view includes three rigid printed circuit board (PCB) sectionscoupled together physically and electrically by flexible conductivewiring, such as, for example, rigid-flex. In the exemplary embodimentsshown in FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the PCA 220 includes three PCBsections 5006, with electronic circuit components mounted on each side5006A and 5006B. The PCB sections 5006A may include at least a centralprocessor unit (CPU) integrated circuit or chip, a memory integratedcircuit or chip, and a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) chip (among othercircuit components). The PCB sections (on the reverse side) 5006B mayinclude at least a radio transmitter (RADIO) integrated circuit or chip,a Real-Time Clock (RTC) integrated circuit or chip, and an InertialMeasurement Unit (IMU) integrated circuit or chip (among other circuitcomponents). In any event, the three-board folded PCA 220 shown in FIGS.5A, 5B and 5C and FIG. 4 , respectively, provides a compactconfiguration that conserves a significant amount of physical space inthe reporting processor(s) involved.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second exemplary electronics assemblythat can be utilized to implement the electronics assembly 214 depictedin FIG. 3 . Referring to FIG. 6 , the exemplary electronics assembly 214includes a two-board folded PCA. Specifically, a first rigid PCB 5006Aand a second rigid PCB 5006B are configured in parallel and physicallyaffixed to a base 5008. At least one circuit component (e.g., RADIOintegrated circuit or chip) 5012 is mounted on one surface of the secondrigid PCB 5006B, and at least one additional circuit component (e.g.,CPU integrated circuit or chip) 5014 is mounted on one surface of thefirst rigid PCB 5006A. For example, in one embodiment, a MEMORYintegrated circuit and a SAW chip can be mounted with the CPU integratedcircuit on the one surface (or the opposite surface) of the first rigidPCB 5006A, and an RTC integrated circuit and an IMU integrated circuitcan be mounted with the RADIO integrated circuit on the one surface (orthe opposite surface) of the second rigid PCB 5006B. The electroniccircuits mounted on the base 5008 are electrically coupled to a powercomponent (battery) via the battery connections 5010. In any event, theelectronic assembly with the two-board folded PCA shown in FIG. 6 alsoprovides a compact configuration that conserves a significant amount ofphysical space in the reporting processor(s) involved.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary reporting processor 206including an electronics assembly that can be utilized to implement theelectronics assembly 214 depicted in FIG. 3 . Referring to FIG. 7 , theexemplary reporting processor 206 includes a half-lap PCA 220. The term“half-lap” is used herein to indicate that a single PCB (as opposed tothe multiple PCB configurations described above) is utilized to mountthe electronic integrated circuits involved. The half-lap PCAconfiguration depicted in FIG. 7 is preferably a single board designthat is intended for those antenna configurations that overlap theelectronic circuits involved. Referring to FIG. 7 , the reportingprocessor 206 includes a PCA 220, which in this embodiment is a singlePCB. A plurality of electronic (integrated) circuits 5016 can be mountedon one or both sides of the PCA/PCB 220. An antenna 5018 is disposedover (and thus overlaps) the electronic circuits 5016.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an IRP that includes a reportingprocessor with a circular-stacked (COIN) PCA that can be utilized toimplement an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 8A, a reporting processor (e.g., IRP) 206 is shown with acircular-stacked PCA 220. In other words, as depicted in FIG. 8B andFIG. 8C, for this exemplary embodiment, the PCA 220 includes twocircular-shaped (coin-shaped) circuit boards PCB1 and PCB2 that arefixedly mounted parallel to each other (e.g., stacked). For thisexemplary embodiment, the front side or surface of PCB1 (FIG. 8D) has anIMU integrated circuit or chip and a MEMORY integrated circuit or chipmounted thereon (along with other integrated circuits or chips), and thereverse side or surface of PCB1 (FIG. 8C) has a CPU integrated circuitor chip and an RTC integrated circuit or chip mounted thereon (alongwith other integrated circuits or chips). Also, the front side orsurface of PCB2 (FIG. 8B) has a SAW chip and a quartz crystal integratedcircuit or chip (e.g., CX-16 chip in one embodiment) mounted thereon(along with other integrated circuits or chips), and the reverse side orsurface of PCB2 (FIG. 8E) has a RADIO integrated circuit or chip mountedthereon (along with other integrated circuits or chips). As such, thereporting processor 206 with the circular-stacked PCA 220 and 8B through8E as shown in FIG. 8A provides a compact configuration that conserves asignificant amount of physical space in the reporting processor(s)involved.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary reporting processor thatcan be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depicted inFIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 9A, the implantable reportingprocessor 206 (e.g., IRP) shown in FIG. 9A can be physically attached tothe tibial plate 202 utilizing the set-screw engagement hole (218) andimplanted into the tibia 204. For the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.9A, the tibial plate 202 and the reporting processor 206 are thussurgically implanted into the tibia 204 to form the tibial extension208. For this embodiment, the outer casing 210 and thus the tibialextension 208 are preferably made of a suitable polymer material. Thesurface of the outer casing 210 at the distal end of the tibialextension 208 includes suitable ribbing 1000 that is utilized to enhancethe engagement of the tibial extension 208 with the bone material of thetibia 204. In one embodiment, the outer casing 210 of the reportingprocessor 206 can be hermetically sealed to enhance the useful life ofthe reporting processor 206.

FIG. 9B is a detailed view of exemplary internal components that can beutilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 9A.Referring to FIG. 9B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes a powercomponent 212 (e.g., battery) that is physically attached andelectrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220, which isa component of an electronics assembly 214. For the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, a ceramic chip antenna 216 is mounteddirectly to an extended portion of a PCB in the PCA 220 shown. Notably,the reliability and interference problems typically associated withantennae being in close proximity to human tissue and electroniccomponents are greatly reduced with ceramic chip antennas, such as theceramic chip antenna 216 shown in FIG. 9B. In other words, closeproximity to human tissue and other components does not cause as severea detuning as with other (e.g., trace) antennas. As such, for theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 9B, the operating center frequencyof the antenna 216 utilized, for example, in an industrial/medicalprocess can be 2.45 GHz, the operating frequency can be approximatelybetween 2,400 to 2,488 MHz, and the antenna 216 is linearly polarized.The transmitted radiation pattern of the ceramic chip antenna 216 isgenerally perpendicular to the ground plane of the chip. So, the ceramicchip antenna 216 can be oriented during surgery so that the transmittedradiation pattern can be directed outward from the tibia 204.Additionally, the ceramic chip antenna 216 can be flexibly tuned andreadily tested pre- and post-manufacture. In any event, the ceramic chipantenna 216 is an ultra-compact antenna configuration that is relativelyeasy to implement (e.g., mounted by hand or machine process) on a PCB.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a second exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depictedin FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 10A, the reporting processor 206 includesa whip antenna 216 that transmits an omni-directional radiation pattern(e.g., radiates equal power in all azimuthal directions). For example,the whip antenna 216 can be a straight metal “whip” or rod (orelectrically conductive wire or other suitable material configured toform a metal “whip” or rod) that is attached through the bottom of thetibial extension 208 to the terminals of a radio transmitter in theelectronics assembly 214. Also, for example, the whip antenna 216 can beutilized for additional structural stability (e.g., in a TKA) as a metalextension of the tibial extension 208.

FIG. 10B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 10A. Referringto FIG. 10B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes a powercomponent 212 (e.g., battery) that is physically attached andelectrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220. For theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, a whip antenna216 is physically attached and electrically connected via the antennaconnections 226 to the PCA 220 through the outer casing 210 as shown.Thus, by mounting the whip antenna 216 externally to the outer casing210, the size and capacity of the power component 212 can besignificantly increased, and/or the number or size of the electroniccircuits in the PCA 220 can be significantly increased. As such, theexternal whip antenna 216 can be utilized to conserve a significantamount of space within the outer casing 210.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a third exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depictedin FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 11A, the reporting processor 206 includesan in-muscle (lead) whip antenna 216 that transmits an omni-directionalradiation pattern (e.g., radiates equal power in all azimuthaldirections). For example, the whip antenna 216 can be a flexible,electrically conductive lead or wire that is configured to exit throughthe top of the tibial extension 208. The flexible whip antenna or lead216 is then fed through the tibial plate 202, and routed to and fixedlyattached to the patient's muscle tissue outside the tibia 204.

FIG. 11B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 11A. Referringto FIG. 11B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes a powercomponent 212 (e.g., prismatic battery or cell) that is physicallyattached and electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA)220. Notably, the utilization of a prismatic battery or cell for thepower component 212 satisfies the requirement for thinner and thussmaller, space-conserving component sizes. For the exemplary embodimentdepicted in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, a flexible whip or lead antenna 216is physically attached and electrically connected to the PCA 220 throughthe outer casing 210 of the reporting processor 206 as shown. Thus, bymounting the whip antenna 216 externally to the outer casing 210, thesize and capacity of the power component 212 can be significantlyincreased, and/or the number or size of the electronic circuits in thePCA 220 can be significantly increased. As such, the external whipantenna 216 can be utilized to conserve a significant amount of spacewithin the outer casing 210. Also, by attaching the antenna 216 to thepatient's muscle tissue outside of the tibia 204 (e.g., outside thebone), less radiation power is required, and thus the useful life of thepower component 212 can be significantly increased. Notably, theconfiguration of the flexible whip antenna 216 is compatible with thatof a tibial extension (e.g., 208) having a metal extension and thusenhances the stability of the prosthesis involved.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depictedin FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 12A, the implantable reportingprocessor 206 (e.g., IRP) shown in FIG. 12A can be physically attachedto the tibial plate 202 utilizing the set-screw engagement hole (218)and implanted into the tibia 204. For the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 12A, the tibial plate 202 and the reporting processor 206 are thussurgically implanted into the tibia 204 to form the tibial extension208. For this embodiment, the outer casing 210 and thus the tibialextension 208 are preferably made of a suitable polymer material. Thesurface of the outer casing 210 at the distal end of the tibialextension 208 includes suitable ribbing 1000 that is utilized to enhancethe engagement of the tibial extension 208 with the bone material of thetibia 204. In one embodiment, the outer casing 210 of the reportingprocessor 206 can be hermetically sealed to enhance the useful life ofthe reporting processor 206. Notably, for this embodiment, the reportingprocessor 206 has a patch antenna 216 affixed to the external surface ofthe outer casing 210.

FIG. 12B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 12A. Referringto FIG. 12B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes a powercomponent 212 (e.g., battery) that is physically attached andelectrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220. For theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, a (e.g.,microstrip) patch antenna 216 is fixedly attached to the externalsurface of the outer casing 210, and electrically connected to the PCA220 utilizing an electrically conductive lead or wire 1002 (e.g.,micro-coaxial cable in one embodiment) that extends into the reportingprocessor 206 through the outer casing 210 as shown. Notably, the patchantenna 216 is a low profile component that is readily conformable tothe non-planar surface of the outer casing 210, and also inexpensive,easily fabricated and tested, and mechanically robust. The transmittedradiation pattern of the patch antenna 216 is bipolar and generallyperpendicular to its ground plane. So, the transmitted radiation patternof the patch antenna 216 can be directed outward from the tibia 204(FIG. 2 ). Notably, the reliability and interference problems typicallyassociated with antennae being in close proximity to human tissue andelectronic components are greatly reduced with patch antennas, such asthe patch antenna 216 shown in FIG. 12B. In other words, close proximityto human tissue and other components does not cause as severe a detuningas with other types of (e.g., trace) antennas. As such, for theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 12B, the operating centerfrequency of the patch antenna 216 utilized, for example, in anindustrial/medical process can be 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. In any event, thepatch antenna 216 is a low profile, ultra-compact antenna configurationthat is relatively easy to implement (e.g., mounted by hand or machineprocess) on the outer casing 210 of the reporting processor 206. Also,the relatively low power consumption of a radio transmitter utilizingthe patch antenna 216 significantly enhances the useful life of thepower component 212, which can also be enhanced further by utilizing arelatively larger power component 212 due to the increased spaceavailable inside the outer casing 210 with an external patch antenna216.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depictedin FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 13A, the implantable reportingprocessor 206 (e.g., IRP) shown in FIG. 13A can be physically attachedto the tibial plate 202 utilizing the set-screw engagement hole (218)and implanted into the tibia 204. For the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 13A, the tibial plate 202 and the reporting processor 206 are thussurgically implanted into the tibia 204 to form the tibial extension208. For this embodiment, the outer casing 210 and thus the tibialextension 208 are preferably made of a suitable polymer material. Thesurface of the outer casing 210 at the distal end of the tibialextension 208 includes suitable ribbing 1000 that is utilized to enhancethe engagement of the tibial extension 208 with the bone material of thetibia 204. In one embodiment, the outer casing 210 of the reportingprocessor 206 can be hermetically sealed to enhance the useful life ofthe reporting processor 206. Notably, for this embodiment, the reportingprocessor 206 has a (e.g., custom made) patch antenna 216 installedinside the outer casing 210 of the tibial extension 208.

FIG. 13B is a first detailed view of exemplary components that can beutilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 13A.Referring to FIG. 13B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes apower component 212 (e.g., battery) that is physically attached andelectrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220. For theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, a (e.g.,microstrip) patch antenna 216 is fixedly attached to the internalsurface of the outer casing 210 (or, alternatively, fixedly attached toone or more support braces that partially enclose the PCA 220), andelectrically connected to the PCA 220 utilizing an electricallyconductive lead or wire (e.g., micro-coaxial cable in one embodiment)that is physically attached and electrically connected to the PCA 220shown. Thus, the internal patch antenna 216 has all of the enhancementsand/or benefits of the external patch antenna described above withrespect to FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B. However, the internal patch antenna216 in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B is further enhanced, because as shown inthe second detailed view in FIG. 13C, the internal patch antenna 216 canbe configured with a significant amount of additional surface area thanthat of the external patch antenna, which enhances the radiotransmission distance and directional capabilities of the internal patchantenna 216 over those of the external patch antenna described above.Also, compared to the external patch antenna, the internal patch antenna216 is better protected from the corrosive effects of the surroundingtissue and environment, because the internal patch antenna 216 isenclosed within the outer casing 210 and thus can be hermetically sealed(e.g., along with the other components inside the outer casing 210).

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a sixth exemplary reporting processorthat can be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206 depictedin FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 14A, the implantable reportingprocessor 206 (e.g., IRP) shown in FIG. 14A can be physically attachedto the tibial plate 202 utilizing the set-screw engagement hole (218)and implanted into the tibia 204. For the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 14A, the tibial plate 202 and the reporting processor 206 are thussurgically implanted into the tibia 204 to form the tibial extension208. For this embodiment, the outer casing 210 and thus the tibialextension 208 are preferably made of a suitable polymer material. Thesurface of the outer casing 210 at the distal end of the tibialextension 208 includes suitable ribbing 1000 that is utilized to enhancethe engagement of the tibial extension 208 with the bone material of thetibia 204. In one embodiment, the outer casing 210 of the reportingprocessor 206 can be hermetically sealed to enhance the useful life ofthe reporting processor 206. Notably, for this embodiment, the reportingprocessor 206 has a Near Field Communications (NFC) coil antenna 216installed inside the outer casing 210 of the tibial extension 208.

FIG. 14B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 14A. Referringto FIG. 14B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes a powercomponent 212 (e.g., battery) that is physically attached andelectrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220. For theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, a NFC coilantenna 216 is fixedly attached to and thereby installed onto the PCBand its support components on the PCA 220 inside the outer casing 210.Thus, for this exemplary embodiment, no RADIO transmitter integratedcircuit or chip is required for the PCA 220, which significantlydecreases the power draw or consumption of the power component 212. Forexample, since the antenna 216 is implemented with a NFC coil, adequatecommunication power can be supplied by electromagnetic induction to theNFC coil antenna 216 by the radiation from an external radiotransmitter, such as, for example, a portable base station transmitterlocated nearby the NFC coil antenna 216. For example, such a portablebase station can be attached to a custom knee brace worn by a patientrecovering from a surgical procedure such as a TKA.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a seventh exemplary reportingprocessor that can be utilized to implement the reporting processor 206depicted in FIG. 2 . Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 15A, the implantablereporting processor 206 (e.g., IRP) shown in FIG. 15A can be physicallyattached to the tibial plate 202 utilizing the set-screw engagement hole(218) and implanted into the tibia 204. For the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 15A, the tibial plate 202 and the reporting processor 206are thus surgically implanted into the tibia 204 to form the tibialextension 208. For this embodiment, the outer casing 210 and thus thetibial extension 208 are preferably made of a suitable polymer material.The surface of the outer casing 210 at the distal end of the tibialextension 208 includes suitable ribbing that is utilized to enhance theengagement of the tibial extension 208 with the bone material of thetibia 204. In one embodiment, the outer casing 210 of the reportingprocessor 206 can be hermetically sealed to enhance the useful life ofthe reporting processor 206. Notably, for this embodiment, the reportingprocessor 206 utilizes a metal drawn case that encloses the PCA 220 asthe antenna 216 inside the outer casing 210 of the tibial extension 208.

FIG. 15B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor 206 depicted in FIG. 15A. Referringto FIG. 15B, the reporting processor 206 shown includes a powercomponent 212 (e.g., battery) that is physically attached andelectrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA) 220. For theexemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, a metal drawncase is utilized as the transmitting antenna 216. The metal drawn case(216) is also utilized to enclose the components of the PCA 220 insidethe outer casing 210. In this embodiment, the case antenna 216 iselectrically connected to a RADIO transmitter integrated circuit or chipmounted on the PCB of the PCA 220. One benefit of the case antenna 216is that provides a very inexpensive integrated solution to those designproblems associated with the pressing requirements to limit both spaceand power consumption of the reporting processor(s) 206 involved.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a tibial component that can beutilized to implement the tibial component 200 depicted in FIG. 2 .Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 16A, the tibial component 200 includes theimplantable reporting processor 206 (e.g., IRP) shown in FIG. 16A thatcan be physically attached to the tibial plate 202 utilizing theset-screw engagement hole (218) and implanted into the tibia 204. Forthe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16A, the tibial plate 202 and thereporting processor 206 are thus surgically implanted into the tibia 204to form the tibial extension 208. For this embodiment, the outer casing210 and thus the tibial extension 208 are preferably made of a suitablepolymer material. The surface of the outer casing 210 at the distal endof the tibial extension 208 includes suitable ribbing that is utilizedto enhance the engagement of the tibial extension 208 with the bonematerial of the tibia 204. In one embodiment, the outer casing 210 ofthe reporting processor 206 can be hermetically sealed to enhance theuseful life of the reporting processor 206. Notably, for thisembodiment, the reporting processor 206 is electrically connected to anantenna connection 1004 that is fixedly attached to the base of thetibial plate 202, and the metal material of the tibial plate 202 isthereby utilized as the antenna 216.

FIG. 16B is a detailed view of exemplary components that can be utilizedto implement the reporting processor 206 and tibial plate antenna 216depicted in FIG. 16A. Referring to FIG. 16B, the reporting processor 206shown includes a power component 212 (e.g., battery) that is physicallyattached and electrically connected to a printed circuit assembly (PCA)220. For the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, anantenna connecting lead 1006 (e.g., an electrically conductive,insulated lead or wire such as coaxial cable) is physically attached andelectrically connected to (e.g., a RADIO integrated circuit or chip on)the PCA 220 shown inside the outer casing 210 of the tibial extension208. The antenna connecting lead 1006 is also routed through the outercasing 210 and connected to the antenna connection 1004. Thus, the metalmaterial of the tibial plate 202 can be utilized as the transmittingantenna 216. In one embodiment, the tibial plate is electricallyinsulated (e.g., utilizing a suitable insulation material) from thehuman tissue. Alternatively, if the surgical environment requires thatthe tibial plate 202 is not utilized as the antenna 216, then a separateantenna can be introduced during the surgical procedure and electricallyconnected to the reporting processor 206 at that time. The majorbenefits of utilizing the tibial plate antenna 216 are that there is aneconomical advantage and also enhanced performance that accompanies theutilization of the existing structure of the tibial plate 202 outsidethe bone. Also, since the reporting processor 206 is physicallyseparated from the antenna 216, more system design flexibility isavailable. Furthermore, if a metal extension is affixed to the distalend of the tibial extension 208, the tibial plate antenna 216 will notinterfere with the metal extension involved.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tibial component 200 of a kneeprosthesis that is implanted in a leg 2002 of a living patient (e.g., ahuman subject), and that includes an implantable reporting processor206, according to an embodiment.

The tibial component 200 of the implanted knee prosthesis includes atibial plate 202, which engages with an upper portion (not shown in FIG.17 ) of the knee prosthesis, and includes a tibial extension 208, whichincludes the implantable reporting processor 206 and which extends intoa cavity 2010 formed in a tibia 204 of a living subject, such as a humansubject. That is, the implantable reporting processor 206 forms part ofthe tibial extension 208. But the implantable reporting processor 206 issized such that the tibial extension 208 is within the size range oftibial extensions used within conventional knee prostheses.

Still referring to FIG. 17 , alternate embodiments of the tibialcomponent 200 of the knee prosthesis are contemplated. For example,instead of forming a part of the tibial extension 208, the implantablereporting processor 206 may be disposed in a hollow portion of thetibial extension. Furthermore, the implantable reporting processor 206may form part of, or may be disposed inside of, a prosthesis other thana knee prosthesis. For example, the implantable reporting processor 206may form part of, or be disposed inside of, a hip prosthesis, shoulderprosthesis, elbow prosthesis, intramedullary rod, dynamic hip screw,spinal interbody spacer, or a breast implant.

FIG. 18A is an exploded view of the tibial component 200 of the kneeprosthesis of FIG. 17 , according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a side view of the implantable reporting processor 206 ofFIG. 17 , according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18B, the implantable reporting processor 206includes a generally cylindrical outer casing, hereinafter housing, 210,which includes a radome 2022, a central section 2024, and a couplingsection 2026. The housing 210 has a length L₁ of about 73 millimeters(mm), and has a diameter D₁ of about 14 mm at its widest cross section.In various embodiments, an IRP of the present disclosure may have alength L₁ selected from 70 mm, or 71 mm, or 72 mm, or 73 mm, or 74 mm,or 75 mm, or 76 mm, or 77 mm, or 78 mm, or 79 mm, or 80 mm, or 85 mm, or90 mm, or 95 mm, or 100 mm, and a range provided by selecting any two ofthese L₁ values. In various embodiments, an IRP of the presentdisclosure may have a diameter D₁ at its widest cross-section of 12 mm,or 13 mm, or 14 mm, or 15 mm, or 16 mm, or 17 mm, or 18 mm, or 19 mm, or20 mm, or 22 mm, or 24 mm, or 26 mm, or 28 mm, or 30 mm, and rangeprovided by selecting any two of the D₁ values. It should be noted thatthe term diameter is used in a broad sense to refer to a maximumcross-sectional distance, where that cross-section need not be an exactcircle, but may be other shapes such as oval, elliptical, or even 4-, 5-or 6-sided.

The tibial plate 202 includes a support structure 2028, which includes areceptacle 2030 configured to receive the implantable reportingprocessor 206 as described below.

The radome 2022 covers and protects an antenna (not shown in FIGS.18A-18B), which allows the implantable reporting processor 206 toreceive and transmit data/information (hereinafter “information”). Theradome 2022 can be made from any material, such as plastic or ceramic,which allows radio-frequency (RF) signals to propagate through theradome with acceptable levels of attenuation and other signaldegradation.

The central and coupling sections 2024 and 2026, which are integral withone another, cover and protect electronic circuitry and a battery (notshown in FIGS. 18A-18B), and can be made from any suitable material,such as metal, plastic, or ceramic.

Furthermore, the central section 2024 includes an alignment mark 2032,which is configured to align with a corresponding alignment mark (notshown in FIGS. 18A-18B) on the outside of the receptacle 2030. Aligningthe mark 2032 with the mark on the receptacle 2030 when the tibialcomponent 200 of the knee prosthesis is implanted ensures that theimplantable reporting processor 206 is in a desired orientation relativeto the support structure 2028.

The coupling section 2026 is sized and otherwise configured to fit intothe receptacle 2030. The fit may be snug enough so that no securingmechanism (e.g., adhesive, set-screw) is needed, or the coupling sectioncan include a securing mechanism, such as threads, clips, and/or aset-screw (not shown in FIGS. 18A-18B) and a set-screw engagement hole218, for attaching and securing the implantable reporting processor 206to the tibial plate 202 via the support structure 2028.

Still referring to FIGS. 18A-18B, alternate embodiments of theimplantable reporting processor 206 and the tibial component 200 of theknee prosthesis are contemplated. For example, the implantable reportingprocessor 206 can have any suitable configuration and shape other thanthat described above. Furthermore, the support structure 2028 of thetibial component 200 can include a hollow extension (not shown in FIGS.18A-18B) for holding the implantable reporting processor 206.

FIG. 19A is a view, with portions broken away, of the implantablereporting processor 206 of FIGS. 18A and 18B, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 19B is an exploded view of the implantable reporting processor 206of FIG. 19A, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the implantable reporting processor 206includes, inside of the housing 210, a battery-circuit-antenna assembly2039, which includes a battery 2042, an electronic-circuit assembly 214,and an antenna 216, each of which may include a respective alignmentstructure (not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B) and securing mechanism such thateach of these components is suitably attached to, and aligned relativeto, the other components. A battery-circuit subassembly 2047 of theassembly 2040, which subassembly excludes the antenna 216, has a lengthL2 of about 43 mm and a diameter D2 of about 8 mm, and the antenna has alength L3 of about 20 mm.

As further described below, the battery 2042 is configured to powerelectronic circuitry within the electronic-circuit assembly 214 over asignificant portion (e.g., 1-15+ years, e.g., 10 years, or 15 years), orthe entirety (e.g., 18+ years), of the anticipated lifetime of theprosthesis in which the implantable reporting processor 206 isinstalled.

The electronic circuitry within the electronic-circuit assembly 214 isconfigured to gather, from sensors (not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B),information relating to the state and functioning of the kneeprosthesis, to process this information, and to send the processedinformation, via the antenna 216, to a base station (base station notshown in FIGS. 19A-19B), and to a cloud-based information repository andanalyzer (repository and analyzer not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B) for use,e.g., by a doctor treating a subject in which the knee prosthesis isimplanted. The communication of information from the base station to thecloud-based repository may use a variety of pathways for Internet accessincluding, but not limited to, wireless, Ethernet, and cable-modemaccess modalities. And as further described below, a power profile ofthe electronic circuitry within the electronic-circuitry assembly 214can also be configured so as to impart a desired lifetime to the battery2042.

The antenna 216 is designed to transmit, to a remote destination outsideof the body of a subject in which the knee prosthesis is implanted,information generated by the electronic circuitry within theelectronic-circuit assembly 214, to receive, from a remote sourceoutside of the subject's body, information from a remote source, and toprovide the received information to the electronic circuitry forprocessing.

Still referring to FIGS. 19A-19B, in a first step of assembling theimplantable reporting processor 206, the battery 2042 is secured to oneend of the electronic-circuit assembly 214, and the antenna 216 issecured to the other end of the electronic-circuit assembly, to form thebattery-circuit-antenna assembly 2040. The battery 2042, circuitry 214,and antenna 216 can include respective alignment marks or structures(alignment marks and structures not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B) to insureproper alignment of the battery, circuit assembly, and antenna relativeto one another, and can include respective securing mechanisms (notshown in FIGS. 19A-19B) to insure that the battery, circuit assembly,and antenna are properly secured to one another. Or, the battery 2042can be welded to the corresponding end of the electronic-circuitassembly 214, and the antenna 216 can be welded to the other end of theelectronic-circuit assembly. No matter the method of attachment, thebattery 2042, the electronic-circuit assembly 214, and the antenna 216form a hermetical seal to insure safety of the implantable reportingprocessor 2040 from ingress of biologic materials that could cause theimplant to fail.

Next, the battery-circuit-antenna assembly 2040 is inserted into thecentral and coupling sections 2024 and 2026 of the housing 210. Toinsure proper alignment of the assembly 2040 relative to the sections2024 and 2026, an alignment pin 2048 on the electronic-circuit assembly214 is aligned with an alignment notch 2050 in the central section 2024before the battery-circuit-antenna assembly is fully inserted into thecentral and coupling sections of the implantable-reporting-processorhousing 210.

Then, an O-ring 2052 is slipped over a threaded portion 2054 of thecentral section 2026, and the radome 2022 is screwed onto the threads ofthe threaded portion such that the battery-circuitry-antenna assembly2040 is secured within the housing 210 in a fixed orientation relativeto the housing, and such that the O-ring forms, between the centralsection and the radome, a seal that is impervious to bodily fluids andtissues (e.g., blood, bone marrow) to which the implantable reportingprocessor 206 may be exposed. Other compressible gasket materialscapable of performing the same sealing function as the O-ring may alsoreplace the O-ring. Additional material (e.g., a biological sealant) maybe applied to the threads of the threaded portion 2054 to gain greaterprotection against biological-fluid ingress into the radome 2022. Forexample, using a fill port (not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B) located at thedistal end of the radome 2022, an inert flowable and biocompatiblematerial such as silicone can be dispensed into the radome 2022, withair allowed to escape through a bleed valve (not shown in FIGS. 19A-19B)in the radome, until the radome is completely, or nearly completely,void of air. Filling the radome 2022 with such a material makespotential ingress of biologic fluid and material more difficult as itwould have to displace the fill material. The two ports (fill port andbleed-valve port) are then sealed using ultrasonic welding or one ormore other conventional technique to permanently plug the fill port andbleed-valve port of the radome 2022.

Still referring to FIGS. 19A-19B, alternate embodiments of theimplantable reporting processor 206 are contemplated. For example, thehousing 210, battery 2042, electronic-circuit assembly 214, and antenna216 may have any suitable sizes and shapes.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the battery 2042 of FIGS. 19A-19B,according to an embodiment.

The battery 2042 has a lithium-carbon-monofluoride (LiCFx) chemistry, acylindrical housing, hereinafter a cylindrical container, 2060, acathode terminal 2062, and an anode terminal 2064, which is a plate thatsurrounds the cathode terminal. LiCFx is a non-rechargeable (primary)chemistry, which is advantageous for maximizing the battery-energystorage capacity. The cathode terminal 2062 makes conductive contactwith an internal cathode electrode (not show in FIG. 20 ) and couples tothe cylindrical container using a hermetic feed-through insulatingmaterial of glass or ceramic. The use of the hermetic feed throughprevents leakage of internal battery materials or reactive products tothe exterior battery surface. Furthermore, the glass or ceramicfeed-through material electrically insulates the cathode terminal 2062from the cylindrical container 2060, which makes conductive contact withthe internal anode electrode (not shown in FIG. 20 ). The anode terminalis welded to the cylindrical container 2060. By locating the cathode andanode terminals 2062 and 2064 on the same end of the battery 2042, bothterminals can be coupled to the electronic-circuit assembly 214 (FIGS.19A-19B) without having to run a lead, or other conductor, to theopposite end of the battery.

The container 2060 can be formed from any suitable material, such astitanium or stainless steel, and can have any configuration suitable tolimit expansion of the battery 2042 as the battery heats during use;because the battery 2042 is inside of the housing 210, if the batterywere to expand too much, it could crack the container 2060 or thehousing 210 (FIGS. 19A-19B), or irritate the subject's tibia or otherbodily tissue.

The battery 2042 also includes, inside of the container 2060, a carbonmonofluoride cathode coupled to the cathode terminal 2062, and a lithiumanode coupled to the anode terminal 2064 (neither the cathode nor theanode is shown in FIG. 20 ). The structure and arrangement of the carbonmonofluoride cathode and the lithium anode within the container 2060 canbe conventional.

With its LiCFx chemistry, the battery 2042 can provide, over itslifetime, about 360 milliampere-hours (mAh) at 3.7 volts (V), althoughone can increase this output by about 36 mAh for each 5 mm of lengthadded to the battery (similarly, one can decrease this output by about36 mAh for each 5 mm of length subtracted from the battery). It isunderstood that other battery chemistries can be used if they canachieve the appropriate power requirements for a given applicationsubject to the size and longevity requirements of the application. Someadditional potential battery chemistries include, but are not limitedto, Lithium ion (Li-ion), Lithium Manganese dioxide (Li—MnO2), silvervanadium oxide (SVO), Lithium Thionyl Chloride (Li—SOCl2), Lithiumiodine, and hybrid types consisting of combinations of the abovechemistries such as CFx-SVO.

Still referring to FIG. 20 , alternate embodiments of the battery 2042are contemplated. For example, although the cylindrical shape of thebattery 2042 is suitable for disposing the battery in the housing 210 ofthe implantable reporting processor 206, the battery shape is alsosuitable for disposing the battery in other locations. For example, thebattery 2042 can be implanted remotely from the knee prosthesis anddirectly inside of a subject's tibia or other bone (not shown in FIG. 20), or at some other location within the subject's body (not shown inFIG. 20 ). Because the battery 2042 has a relatively long lifetime, itcan be disposed in a location of a subject's body (either directly or aspart of a prosthesis) where it is impractical to replace the batterybefore replacing the associated prosthesis, and where it is impracticalor impossible to recharge the battery using inductive coupling or anyother recharging technique. Furthermore, to allow the battery to beimplanted directly in a bodily location, the container 2060 can beconfigured to prevent leakage of substances (e.g., lithium, carbonmonofluoride, and any byproducts) from inside of the container, and tobe non-reactive to bodily substances, so that the battery 2042 does notirritate, injure, or destroy tissue in which the battery is implanted,and does not initiate a rejection response from the subject's body.Moreover, although described as being disposed in, and being associatedwith, a knee prosthesis, the battery 2042 can be disposed in, orassociated with, a prosthesis other than a knee prosthesis. In addition,although shown with the cathode and anode terminals 2062 and 2064 on asame end of the battery 2042, the cathode and anode terminals can bedisposed on opposite ends of the battery, or anywhere along the lengthof the battery. Furthermore, although, as described above, one canincrease the length of the battery 2042 to increase the mAh output ofthe battery, one can also increase the diameter/width of the battery toincrease the mAh output of the battery. Moreover, the implantablereporting processor 206 (FIGS. 19A-19B) can include a kinematic assemblythat is configured to convert kinetic energy caused by movement of thesubject's body into an electrical current for recharging the battery2042. For example, such a kinematic assembly can be part of theelectronic-circuit assembly 214, or can be a section of the implantablereporting processor 206 that is separate from, and in addition to, thebattery 2042, the electronic-circuit assembly, and the antenna 216. Anexample of a kinematic assembly suitable for inclusion in an implantableprosthesis includes a conventional kinematic assembly included with awatch to recharge the watch's battery. In addition, the implantablereporting processor 206 can include an inductive assembly, or otherassembly, that is configured to recharge the battery 2042, e.g., inresponse to an external charging source (not shown in FIG. 20 ).Furthermore, the battery 2042 can possess any of the features describedin this paragraph even if the battery is disposed in the housing 210 asdescribed above.

FIG. 21A is an exploded isometric view of the electronic-circuitassembly 214 and the antenna 216 of FIGS. 19A and 19B, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 21B is an end view of the electronic-circuit module 2070 of FIG.21A, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 21A and 21B, in addition to the electronic-circuitmodule 2070, the electronic-circuit assembly 214 includes a headerassembly 222, a clip 224, and a case 228.

As described above in conjunction with FIGS. 19A-19B, theelectronic-circuitry module 2070 includes electronic circuitry 2078,which is configured to receive, from one or more sensors (not shown inFIGS. 21A-21B), information relating to the state and functioning of theknee prosthesis (FIG. 17 ), to process this information, and to send theprocessed information, via the antenna 216, to a base station (basestation not shown in FIGS. 21A-21B), and to a cloud-based informationrepository and analyzer (repository and analyzer not shown in FIGS.21A-21B) for use, e.g., by a doctor treating a subject in which the kneeprosthesis is implanted. The communication from the base station to thecloud-based repository may use a variety of pathways for Internet accessincluding, but not limited to, wireless, Ethernet, and cable-modemaccess modalities. The electronic circuitry 2078 is further describedbelow, and the one or more sensors can include, e.g., accelerometers,gyroscopes, pedometers, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, andmoisture sensors, can be disposed on the electronic-circuit module 2070,elsewhere in or on the knee prosthesis, or remote from the kneeprosthesis, and can communicate with the electronic circuitry 2078 viaconductors or wirelessly. The electronic-circuit module 2070 alsoincludes a battery-connector 2080, which includes an inner conductor2082 configured to contact the cathode terminal 2062 of the battery 2042(FIG. 20 ), and which includes an outer conductor 2084 disposed aroundthe inner conductor and configured to be coupled to the anode terminal2064 of the battery via the clip 224 as described below. An electricalinsulator is disposed between the inner conductor 2082 and outerconductor 2084 to prevent a short circuit of the battery 2042.

The header assembly 222 has one end configured to couple to the antenna216, and another end configured to couple to the electronic-circuitmodule 2070. The header assembly 222 includes pins 2086 and 2088(referred to as antenna connections 226 in FIG. 4 ), which feed throughthe header assembly to couple the antenna 216 electrically to theelectronic circuitry 2078, and which may include, or pass through,respective hermetic seals 2090 and 2092 to prevent bodily fluids andother substances from leaking into the electronic-circuit assembly 214.In addition to coupling the antenna 216 to the electronic-circuit module2070, the header assembly 222 forms a hermetic seal with the case 228 toprevent bodily fluids and other substances from leaking into theelectronic-circuit assembly 214. Furthermore, the header assembly 222and the electronic-circuit module 2070 can include alignment structuresconfigured to cause the header assembly to have a desired alignment withthe electronic-circuit module.

The clip 224 is configured to secure the electronic-circuit module 2070to the header assembly 222, and to promote the electrical coupling ofthe battery 2042 to the electronic-circuit module. The clip 224 includesarms 2094 and 2096 having protrusions 2098 and 2100, which respectivelyengage a recess 2102 and a recess opposite to the recess 2102 but notshown in FIGS. 21A-21B. The clip 224 also includes a plate 2104 havingan opening 2106. The plate 2104 is conductive and contacts the outerconnector 2084 of the electronic-circuit module 2070, and the opening2106 is aligned with the inner connector 2082 of the electronic-circuitmodule.

And the case 228 covers and protects the electronic-circuit module 2070and portions of the header assembly 222 and clip 224. In addition toforming a seal with the header assembly 222, the case 228 forms a seal,such as a hermetic seal, with the clip 224. The case 228 can be formedfrom any suitable material; for example, the case 228 can be formed fromthe same material as the material from which the battery container 2060(FIG. 20 ) is formed.

Referring to FIGS. 19A-19B, when the battery-circuit-antenna assembly2040 is assembled, the cathode terminal 2062 of the battery 2042 extendsthrough the opening 2106 in the clip plate 2104 and contacts the innerconductor 2082 of the electronic-circuit module 2070, and the anodeterminal 2064 of the battery is electrically coupled to the outerconductor 2084 of the electronic-circuit module because the anodeterminal contacts the clip plate, which contacts the outer conductor.That is, the clip plate 2104 is sandwiched between, and electricallycontacts, the battery's anode terminal 2064 and the outer conductor 2084of the electronic-circuit module 2070.

Referring to FIGS. 21A-21B, alternate embodiments of theelectronic-circuit assembly 214 are contemplated. For example, althoughdescribed as having an inner conductor 2082 and an outer conductor 2084for electrically coupling the electronic circuitry 2078 to the battery2042 (FIG. 20 ), the electronic-circuit module 2070 can include anyother suitable structure for electrically coupling the electroniccircuitry to the battery.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a hip prosthesis 2110, which isimplantable to replace a hip joint of a living subject (e.g., a humansubject) and that includes the implantable reporting processor 206 ofFIGS. 17-21B, according to an embodiment.

The hip prosthesis 2110 of the hip prosthesis includes a femoral head2112, which engages with a socket portion (not shown in FIG. 22 ) of thehip prosthesis, and includes a femoral stem 2114, which is configured toextend into a cavity formed in a femur (not shown in FIG. 22 ) of thesubject.

The implantable reporting processor 206 is disposed in a hollow portionwithin the femoral stem 2114, or forms part of the femoral stem.

The implantable reporting processor 206 being configured to fit insideof, or to from part of, the hip prosthesis reduces the space occupied bythe prosthesis as compared to a hip prosthesis having any portion, orall, of the implantable reporting processor being disposed outside ofand apart from the hip prosthesis. Furthermore, the implantablereporting processor 206 is sized such that the femoral stem 2114 need beno longer or wider, in cross section, than a femoral stem of aconventional hip prosthesis.

Still referring to FIG. 22 , alternate embodiments of the hip prosthesis2110 are contemplated. For example, the implantable reporting processor206 may be disposed in the femoral head 2112. As another example, theimplant may be integrated into the distal tip 2115 of the femoral stem2114 without changing the length or diameter of the femoral stem 2114.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a breast implant or prosthesis 2116,which is used for aesthetic purposes or aesthetic reconstructive surgerysubsequent to removal of breast tissue for, e.g., oncologic reasons, andwhich includes one or more sensors (not shown in FIG. 23 ) and animplantable reporting processor 206 similar to that described in FIGS.17-21B, but with some differences, according to an embodiment. Forexample, the implantable reporting processor 206 can have a differentshape from the processors described above in conjunction with FIGS.17-21 . Furthermore, where at least one of the one or more sensors is apressure sensor, the implantable reporting processor 206 can beconfigured to monitor pressure, and other parameters, within the breastimplant. Moreover, the implantable reporting processor 206 can beconfigured to determine, in response to the monitored parameters,whether the breast implant's contents are leaking into the surroundingtissue. In addition, the implantable reporting processor 206 can beconfigured to detect, in response to the monitored parameters, whetherthe implant has failed, and/or to assess for the presence of capsularcontraction through variation in the monitored.

The breast prosthesis 2116 may have a single compartment, or a varietyof fluid-filled compartments. The fluid may be saline or liquidsilicone. The compartments may be isolated or communicate with oneanother via fluidic pathways.

FIG. 24 depicts subglandular 2122 and submuscular 2124 insertion of thebreast prosthesis 2116 within the female breast of a living subject,according to an embodiment.

The implantable reporting processor 206 is disposed in a retainingstructure 2120 integral to the posterior wall of the breast implant.

It is understood that in the case of a breast implant with multiplecompartments (not shown), a respective reporting processor 2118 can belocated in each compartment.

The implantable reporting processor 206 is configured to fit inside thebreast implant 2116 such that the patient does not feel its presence,yet the implantable reporting processor is held securely such that itcannot migrate within the implant.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24 , alternate embodiments of the prosthesis2116 and the implantable reporting processor 206 are contemplated.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the battery 2042 of FIG. 20 , and theantenna 216 and the electronic circuitry 2078 of FIG. 21A, according toan embodiment. As described below, the electronic circuitry 2078 can beconfigured to limit the power drawn from the battery 2042 so that thebattery has a predictable lifetime that is at least as long as thelifetime of the prosthesis with which the battery is associated.Furthermore, one or more of the circuit components described above inconjunction with FIGS. 5A-5C and 6-8E may form part of the electroniccircuitry 2078, although components in FIG. 25 corresponding tocomponents in FIGS. 5A-5C and 6-8E may have different reference numbers.

The electronic circuitry 2078 includes the following circuit components:a supply node 3000, a timing circuit 3002, a processing circuit 3004, aninertial measurement unit (hereinafter “inertial measurement circuit”)3006, a memory circuit 3008, a radio circuit 3010, and electronicallycontrollable switches 3012 and 3014. At least the inertial measurementcircuit 3006 and the memory circuit 3008 can be considered to beperipheral circuits to the processing circuit 3004.

The supply node 3000 is configured to receive a current and a voltagefrom the battery 2042 (FIG. 20 ), and to provide this current andvoltage to the timing circuit 3002, processing circuit 3004, radiocircuit 3010, and switches 3012 and 3014. For example, the battery 2042can provide, to the supply node 3000, a voltage in a range of about 2.3V-3.3 V.

The timing circuit 3002 is configured, e.g., by software, firmware, orother configuring means, to awaken the processing circuit 3004 and theradio circuit 3010 from respective “sleep,” i.e., lower-power, states atrespective set times. By awakening the processing circuit 3004 and theradio circuit 3010 only at respective times, e.g., one time, or a fewtimes, per day, the timing circuit 3002 conserves power drawn from thebattery 2042 (FIG. 20 ) as compared to allowing the processing circuitand radio circuit to stay perpetually “awake,” i.e., in a higher-powerstate. For example, the timing circuit 3002 can be a real-time clockcircuit such as an Abracon® AB1815 real-time-clock (RTC) integratedcircuit (IC).

The processing circuit 3004 is programmable to open and close theswitches 3012 and 3014 to selectively couple the inertial measurementcircuit 3006 and the memory circuit 3008 to the supply node 300 at setrespective times while the processing circuit 3004 is in a higher-poweroperational state. By powering the inertial measurement circuit 3006 andmemory circuit 3008 only at respective times, e.g., a few times per day,the processing circuit 3004 further conserves power drawn from thebattery 2042 (FIG. 20 ) as compared to providing power to the inertialmeasurement circuit and memory circuit perpetually. Even if the inertialmeasurement circuit 3006 and memory circuit 3008 are configurable toenter respective lower-power states, they would still draw at least somepower in these respective states. Therefore, by disconnecting theinertial measurement circuit 3006 and memory circuit 3008 from thesupply node 3000, via the switches 3012 and 3014, respectively, whilethe measurement circuit and memory circuit are not being used, theprocessing circuit 3004 conserves even more power than by putting themeasurement circuit and memory circuit in a lower-power state while theyare not being used.

The processing circuit 3004 can also program, configure, or otherwisecontrol the timing circuit 3002, the inertial measurement circuit 3006,the memory circuit 3008, and the radio circuit 3010. For example, theprocessing circuit 3004 can reconfigure the timing circuit 3002, inresponse to instructions received from a remote source via antenna 216and radio circuit 3010, to change the set times at which the timingcircuit “wakes up” the processing circuit and radio circuit 3010.

Furthermore, the processing circuit 3004 can include, or be electricallycoupled to, peripheral circuits in addition to the inertial measurementcircuit 3006 and the memory 3008. Examples of such additional peripheralcircuits include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, pedometers,on-board volatile memory (e.g., random-access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM(DRAM), or static RAM (SRAM)) and nonvolatile memory (e.g., read-onlymemory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM, electrically programmable ROM(EPROM), and electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM)). Theelectronic circuitry 2078 can include switches in addition to theswitches 3012 and 3014 to couple these additional peripheral circuits tothe supply node 3000. If the additional peripheral circuits are on-boardthe processing circuit 3004, then the processing circuit may employpower-island technology to selectively provide power to these peripheralcircuits.

Moreover, the processing circuit 3004 can be a microcontroller, amicroprocessor, or any other computing circuit, such as a Silicon Labs®EFM32HG microcontroller IC.

The inertial measurement circuit 3006 includes one or more sensors (notshown in FIG. 25 ) for acquiring data related to the motion of aprosthesis (not shown in FIG. 25 ) in which the electronic circuitry2078 is located, or with which the electronic circuitry 2078 isotherwise associated. For example, the inertial measurement circuit 3006can include one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, pedometers, andmagnetometers that are respectively configured to sense and measurelinear and rotational accelerations, step counts, and magnetic fieldsthat the prosthesis experiences or to which the prosthesis is exposed.In an embodiment, the inertial measurement circuit 3006 includes threeaccelerometers and three gyroscopes, one accelerometer and gyroscope foreach dimension of linear (X, Y, Z) and rotational (rotation about Xaxis, rotation about Y axis, rotation about Z axis) freedom,respectively, that the implanted prosthesis possesses, or is configuredto possess. By analyzing the information generated by these sensorswhile a patient, or other subject, in which the prosthesis is implanted,is moving, one can determine whether the prosthesis is functioningproperly, and can predict when the prosthesis should be replaced. Forexample, the inertial measurement circuit 3006 can be a Bosch® BMI160integrated inertial-measurement-unit (IMU) IC. Furthermore, theprocessing circuit 3004 can include, or can be electrically coupled to,peripheral circuits in addition to the inertial measurement circuit3006. Examples of such additional peripheral circuits includepedometers, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.

The memory circuit 3008 is a nonvolatile memory that can be configuredto store programming and configuration data for the processing circuit3004, and data generated by the processing circuit 3004 for transmissionto a destination (e.g., a cloud-based monitor and analyzer) via theradio circuit 3010 during a period while the radio circuit is awake.Because the memory circuit 3008 is nonvolatile, it can store data evenwhile the switch 3014 is open and the memory circuit receives no power.The memory 3008 can be any type of nonvolatile memory such as NOR orNAND flash, magnetic RAM (MRAM), and EEPROM.

The radio circuit 3010 can be configured to receive, from a sourceexternal to the prosthesis with which the electronic circuitry 2078 isassociated, signals carrying information, to recover the informationfrom the signals (e.g., by decoding and demodulation), and to providethe recovered information to the processor circuit 3004. For example,this received information can include programming (e.g., softwareinstructions) or configuration (e.g., firmware) data for one or more ofthe timing circuit 3002, processing circuit 3004, inertial measurementcircuit 3006, memory circuit 3008, radio circuit 3010, and switches 3012and 3014, or can include a request for the processing circuit totransmit, to the external source, information specified in the request.

The radio circuit 3010 can also be configured to transmit, to adestination external to the prosthesis with which the electroniccircuitry 2078 is associated, signals carrying information. For example,the radio circuit 3010 can receive information from the processingcircuit 3004, code (e.g., for error correction and compression) theinformation, modulate a carrier signal with the coded information, anddrive the antenna 216 with the modulated carrier signal. The processingcircuit 3004 could have generated the information, for example, inresponse to processing sensing measurements made by the inertialmeasuring circuit 3006, stored the information in the memory circuit3008, retrieved the information from the memory circuit, and providedthe information to the radio circuit 3010. Alternatively, theinformation could be status information that the processing circuit 3004collects from the circuits coupled to it and provides to the radiocircuit for transmission in the manner described above. For example,status information from the inertial measurement circuit 3006 caninclude the voltage across the battery 2042, and status information fromthe timing circuit 3002 can include the current times or intervals atwhich it is scheduled to activate the processing circuit 3004 and theradio circuit 3010.

The switches 3012 and 3014 can include any suitable conventionalswitches, such as NMOS or PMOS switching transistors, which can beopened and closed electronically, in response to a signal from theprocessing circuit 3004.

Still referring to FIG. 25 , operation of the electronic circuitry 2078is described, according to an embodiment.

The timing circuit 3002 is programmed to activate the processing circuit3004 and the radio circuit 3010 at programmed times, for example, onceper day. These times may be fixed (e.g., noon each day), varied (e.g.,start at noon and increase by one hour each day), random (e.g., once perday at a time randomly determined each day), or in response to an event(e.g., movement of the subject in which the electronic circuitry 2078 isimplanted). Furthermore, these times can be the same for both of theprocessing circuit 3004 and the radio circuit 3010, or different. Forexample, the timing circuit 3002 can activate the processing circuitry3004 three times per day to analyze and record sensor measurements, andcan activate the radio circuit 3010 only once per day to transmit therecorded sensor measurements to a remote destination (not shown in FIG.25 ). Moreover, the processing circuit 3004 can program the timingcircuit 3002 in response to commands or instructions that the processingcircuit receives from a source (not shown in FIG. 25 ) via the antenna216 and the radio circuit 3010.

Next, in response to being activated by the timing circuit 3002, theprocessing circuit 3004 closes the switches 3010 and 3012 to power theinertial measurement circuit 3006 and the memory circuit 3008.Furthermore, the processing circuit 3004 can close other switches topower other peripheral circuits that form part of the electroniccircuitry 2078.

Then, in response to receiving power, the inertial measurement circuit3006, the memory circuit 3008, and any other powered-up peripheralcircuits, execute respective power-up routines if they are configured todo so.

Next, the processing circuit 3004 controls the inertial measurementcircuit 3006, memory circuit 3008, and radio circuit 3010 to operateaccording to a programmed routine (examples of such routines are furtherdescribed below). The processing circuit 3004 can also reprogram orreconfigure the timing circuit 3002, inertial memory circuit 3006, andmemory circuit 3008 according to the programmed routine, or according toinstructions received from a remote source (not shown in FIG. 25 ).Furthermore, the processing circuit 3004 can store, in the memorycircuit 3008, data generated by the processing circuit or othercomponent of the electronic circuitry 2078 during the routine. Theprocessing circuit 3004 also can transmit such data to a remotedestination (not shown in FIG. 25 ) via the radio circuit 3010 andantenna 216.

Then, after the routine is complete, the processing circuitry 3004instructs the inertial measurement circuit 3006 and the memory circuit3008 to execute respective power-down routines if applicable, opens theswitches 3012 and 3024 to disconnect power from the inertial measurementcircuit and memory circuit, causes the radio circuit 3010 to enter alower-power (e.g., sleep) state, informs the timing circuit 3002 thatthe routine is complete, and enters into a lower-power (e.g., sleep)state.

At the next set time, the timing circuit 3002 activates the processingcircuit 3002 and, if needed, the radio circuit 3010 to start a repeatthe above routine or to start another routine.

Still referring to FIG. 25 , alternate embodiments of the electroniccircuitry 2078 are contemplated. For example, the electronic circuitry2078 can include circuits other than those described above, and caninclude additional switches to provide power to these other circuits ascontrolled by the processing circuit 3004; examples of such othercircuits include volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM), andone or more additional sensor circuits such as a pedometer, temperaturesensor, or pressure sensor. Furthermore, the electronic circuitry 2078can include one or more circuits or mechanisms for recharging thebattery 2042; examples of such circuits and mechanisms include a kineticor biochemical recharging mechanism, an inductive recharging circuit,and a highly resonant wireless-power-transfer recharging circuit.Moreover, some or all of the component circuits of the electroniccircuitry 2078 can be disposed on one or more integrated circuits, orcan be discrete-component circuits (e.g., circuits formed form one ormore discrete components). In addition, the processing circuit 3004 canexecute any suitable routine in any manner to conserve power such thatthe battery 2042 has an anticipated lifetime, such as more than oneyear, ten or more years, even up to twenty or more years; so conservingpower can dramatically increase the chances that the battery will notneed not be replaced at least until its associated prosthesis isreplaced.

Referring to Tables I and II, configuration and operation of theelectronic circuitry 2078 of FIG. 21A over a desired lifetime of thebattery 2042 (FIG. 20 ) is described, according to an embodiment.

TABLE I Energy Consumption Period EC1 P1 EC2 P2 EC3 P3

Referring to FIG. 21A and Table I, the electronic circuitry 2078 can beconfigured to control its energy consumption so that the battery 2042(FIG. 20 ) lasts for its anticipated lifetime. In more detail, thetiming circuit 3002 can be configured to activate the processing circuit3004 and the radio circuit 3010 at set times, and the activatedprocessing circuit can be configured to activate, to configure, and toprocess data from, the inertial measurement circuit 3006, and to controlwhen data is sent and received via the radio circuit, so as to controlthe energy consumption of the electronic circuitry 2078. For example, itmay be desirable for the battery 2042 to last until a correspondingimplanted prosthesis is replaced, or at least until it is anticipatedthat operation of the electronic circuitry 2078 will no longer beneeded.

The designed-for lifetime of the battery 2042 (FIG. 20 ) can be dividedinto multiple periods P of respective energy consumptions EC; as long asthese energy consumptions EC sum to no more than the total energy thatthe battery 2042 can provide to the electronic circuitry 2078, thebattery will last until the end of the last period P (assuming nofailure of, or other unanticipated problem with, the battery or of theelectronic circuitry). For example, if the battery 2042 can store energyequivalent to 360 mAh, and it is desired that the electronic circuitry2078 be designed such that the battery lasts for at least ten years,then as long as the sum of energies EC anticipated to be consumed duringthe energy-consumption periods P is no greater than an energy equivalentto 360 mAh, then, barring an error in, or malfunction with, the batteryor the electronic circuitry, the battery will be able to power theelectronic circuitry for at least ten years. Further to this example,suppose that a first energy-consumption period P1 is four months, andthat it is anticipated that the electronic circuitry 2078 will consume amaximum energy EC1 equivalent to 72 mAh during P1. Similarly, assumethat a second energy-consumption period P2 is the eight monthsimmediately following P1, and that the maximum anticipated energyconsumption EC2 during P2 is equivalent to 36 mAh. And further assumethat a third energy-consumption period P3 is the nine years immediatelyfollowing P2 and that the maximum anticipated energy consumption EC3during P3 is equivalent to 240 mAh. Therefore, at the end ofP1+P2+P3=ten years, the total energy consumption EC1+EC2+EC3 of theelectronic circuitry 2078 is equivalent to 348 mAh, which leaves amargin for error of 12 mAh (i.e., 360 mAh—348 mAh=12 mAh).

Referring to FIG. 21A and Table II, in an embodiment for controlling theenergy that the electronic circuitry 2078 consumes during a period P,the electronic circuitry is configured to operate according to definedmodes of operation.

For example, the electronic circuitry 2078 can be configured to operatein a lower-power mode LPM for a first portion of the correspondingperiod P, and in a higher-power mode HPM for a second portion of thecorresponding period P. While operating in a particular mode, theprocessing circuit 3004 receives and processes data from the inertialmeasurement circuit 3006. By controlling parameters such as whatportions of the inertial measurement circuit 3006 are active, what datathe inertial measurement circuit generates, how long the inertialmeasurement circuit is active, at what speed and resolution theprocessing circuit samples this data, and how often the processingcircuit sends data to an external destination via the radio 3010, theelectronic circuitry 2078 can control how much energy it consumes, and,therefore, draws from the battery 2042, during each period.

TABLE II Energy-Consumption Period Lower-Power Higher-Power Rate (ECR)(P) Mode (LPM) Mode (HPM) ECR1 P1 LPM1 HPM1 ECR2 P2 LPM2 HPM2 ECR3 P3LPM3 HPM3

FIG. 26 is a state diagram 3100 of the operation of the electroniccircuitry 2078 (FIG. 21A) over the lifetime of the battery 2042 (FIG. 20), according to an embodiment in which the prosthesis with which theelectronic circuitry is associated is a knee prosthesis.

In the following example, in all lower-power modes LPM (i.e., LPM1,LPM2, LPM3), the processing circuit 3004 configures the inertialmeasuring circuit 3006 so that only two accelerometers (for example,walking dimension X and vertical dimension Z) are active, and theprocessing circuit samples the signals generated by these activeaccelerometers at 50 samples/second and at a resolution of 8 bits,generates a total step count from these signals, and saves, in thememory 3008, the accumulated step count at the end of the lower-powermode. Furthermore, the durations and frequencies of the low-power modesare as follows: LPM1=8 hours/day, 7 days/week; LPM2=6 hours/day, 2days/week, and LPM3=4 hours/day, 1 day/week. For LPM2 and LPM3, thetiming circuit 3002 can be configured to select the same day(s) eachweek, to rotate the day(s) each week, or to randomly select the day(s)each week (or the processing circuit 3004 can configure the timing inthis manner while the processing circuit is active). Alternatively,instead of continually sampling the signals from the two accelerometers,the processing circuit 3004 can sample the signals only when theinertial measurement unit 3006 senses that the subject is walking suchthat the processing circuit is not consuming power for sampling when thesubject is not walking. It is also to be understood that sampling ofaccelerometers as described may be accomplished with a singleaccelerometer.

Further in the following example, in all higher-power modes HPM (i.e.,HPM1, HPM2, and HPM3), the processing circuit 3004 configures theinertial measuring circuit 3006 so that at least three accelerometersand at least three gyroscopes are active, and the processing circuitsamples each of the signals generated by these active accelerometers andgyroscopes at 400 samples/second and at a resolution of 16 bits,performs a preconfigured/preprogrammed analysis of these signals, andsaves, in the memory 3008, the result of the analysis at the end of thehigher-power mode. The processing circuit 3004 enters a higher-powermode HPM (e.g., activates at least three accelerometers and at leastthree gyroscopes) from a lower-power mode LPM after the processingcircuit has detected that the subject has taken at least three steps(because at least three accelerometers and at least three gyroscopes areactivated, a higher-power mode can also be called asix-degrees-of-freedom mode). The processing circuit 3004 stays in thehigher-power mode for a total of ten steps more than the initial threesteps. If the processing circuit 3004 does not detect an additional tensteps, then it exits the higher-power mode and returns to thelower-power mode, and repeats this procedure until it is able to detectten steps while in the higher-power mode, until it has entered ahigher-power mode a threshold number of times, or until it is time toend the lower-power mode. After detecting ten steps and receiving andsampling the signals generated by the three accelerometers and threegyroscopes in the inertial measurement circuit 3006, the processingcircuit 3004 processes these sampled signals and stores the results inthe memory 3008; furthermore, the processing circuit does not enter ahigher-power mode again until the next lower-power mode. The frequenciesat which the processing circuit 3004 at least attempts to complete ahigher-power mode are as follows: HPM1=7 days/week; HPM2=2 days/week(same days as LPM2), and HPM3=1 day/week (same day as LPM3).

Moreover in the following example, a test, or doctor's office, mode canbe the same as the above-described higher-power modes except that it isinitiated by, e.g., a doctor at a doctor's office so that the doctor canput the subject through a battery of tests (e.g., knee bends, bendingrange, stopping and starting), receive processed data from theprocessing circuit 3004, and analyze this data to determine, e.g.,whether the implanted knee prosthesis is functioning properly. Toprevent doctor's office modes from causing the battery 2042 to have alifetime less than the designed-for lifetime, the processing circuit3004 can be configured to limit the duration or number of doctor'soffice modes. For example, the processing circuit 3004 can limit eachdoctor's office mode to three minutes, but where the doctor can enterand exit the mode such that the three minutes can be broken up andspread over more than three consecutive minutes; and the processingcircuit 3004 can limit the number of doctor's office modes to a totalnumber distributed among the periods P1-P3 (e.g., a limit of tendoctor's office modes in each of P1 and P2, a limit of five doctor'soffice modes in P3, and a total of five “floating” doctor's office modesthat can be used in any of P1-P3 for a total of thirty permitteddoctor's office modes). It is also understood that the doctor's officemode initiated by a doctor in their office environment may beinterchanged with another healthcare professional, such as a physicaltherapist, and the test can be conducted as part of a patient's physicaltherapy in an appropriate setting.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26 , before surgery to implant the kneeprosthesis (not shown in FIGS. 25-26 ), the electronic circuitry 2078 isactivated with a power-on-reset (POR) signal (e.g., via a base stationas described below), and proceeds to a self-test state 3102. During thisstate, the processing circuit 3004 executes one or more test routines,the results of which indicate whether the battery 2042, antenna 2048,and electronic circuitry 2078 are functioning properly. For example,such test routines can measure the voltage across the battery 2042,measure output signals from the inertial measurement circuit 3006, andcheck the functioning of the memory 3008, the radio circuit 3010, andthe switches 3012 and 3014.

If the electronic circuitry 2078 fails any of the test routines, thenthe processing circuitry 3004 proceeds to a state 3104, and entersitself, and the other circuits that form the electronic circuitry, intoan end-of-life mode. For example, in this mode, the processing circuit3004 can broadcast, via the radio circuit 3010 and antenna 2048, thatthe battery 2042, antennal 216, or electronic circuitry 2078 is notfunctioning properly and that the implantable reporting processor 206(FIGS. 19A and 19B) should be replaced before the knee prosthesis isimplanted. Alternatively, if it is the battery 2042, antenna 2048, orradio circuit 3010 that is malfunctioning such that the processingcircuit 3004 cannot send a broadcast, then the lack of a broadcastindicating that the battery, antenna, and electronic circuitry arefunctioning properly can serve as an indication to an external device(e.g., a base station) that the implantable reporting processor 206should be replaced.

If, however, the battery 2042, antenna 216, and electronic circuitry2078 pass all of the test routines at step 3102, then the processingcircuit 3004 proceeds to a state 3106 and enters a standby mode.

From the standby mode, the processing circuit 3004 proceeds to a state3108 and enters itself and the radio circuit 3010 into respectivelow-power states, collectively called a deep-sleep state in thisexample. Before entering the deep-sleep state, the processing circuit3004 instructs the inertial measurement circuit 3006, the memory 3008,and any other peripheral circuits to execute respective power-downroutines if applicable, and then, after the last power-down routine iscompleted, opens the switches 3112 and 3114 and any other switchescorresponding to other peripheral circuits.

During the deep-sleep state at step 3108, the timing circuit 3002remains active, and keeps track of when to enter the next low-power modeLPM. For example, for the period P1, the next LPM can be LPM1 the dayafter the knee prosthesis is implanted.

When it is time to enter the next low-power mode LPM, the timing circuit3002 activates (e.g., “wakes up”) the processing circuit 3004.

The activated processing circuit 3004 proceeds to the standby state3106, and then closes the switches 3012 and 3014, and any other suchswitches, and activates the inertial measurement circuit 3006, memory3008, and any other peripheral circuits that need to be activated. Theprocessing circuit 3004 also configures the inertial measurement circuit3006 for low-power operation, such as, for example, instructing theinertial measurement circuit to activate only one or two accelerometersand no other sensors.

Then after activating and configuring the peripheral circuits such asthe inertial measurement circuit 3006, the processing circuit 3004proceeds to a state 3110, where it enters into a low-power mode LPM ofoperation as described above.

If, during the low-power mode LPM at state 3110, the inertialmeasurement circuit 3006 detects that the subject in which the kneeprosthesis is implanted has taken at least three steps, then theprocessing circuit 3004 enters into a scheduled higher-power mode HPM ata state 3112 by activating at least three accelerometers (one for eachdimension of linear movement) and three gyroscopes (one for eachdimension of rotational movement) of the inertial measurement circuit3006, and begins to sample the signals from these accelerometers andgyroscopes at a higher frequency and higher resolution (e.g., 400samples per second and sixteen bits vs. 50 samples per second and eightbits in the lower-power mode).

In response to either sampling the accelerometers and gyroscopes over apreviously set minimum number (e.g., ten) steps of the subject, or inresponse to the subject taking fewer than the minimum number of stepswithin a set time (e.g., three minutes) from entering the higher-powermode HPM, the processing circuitry 3004 returns to the low-power modeLPM at the state 3110. Before returning to the lower-power mode LPM,however, the processing circuit 3004 deactivates the gyroscopes and allbut two of the accelerometers of the inertial measurement circuit 3006.If, during the higher-power mode HPM, the inertial measurement circuit3006 was able to generate data over at least ten steps (exclusive of theinitial three steps detected to enter the higher-power mode HPM), thenthe processing circuit 3004 indicates, e.g., by setting a flag, that itneed not enter any more higher-power modes until the next lower-powermode. For example, during period P1, the processing circuit 3004indicates that it need not enter any more higher-power modes until thenext day. But if, during the higher-power mode, the inertial measurementcircuit 3006 was unable to generate data over at least ten steps(exclusive of the initial three steps detected to enter the higher-powermode), then the processing circuit 3004 indicates, e.g., by not settingthe flag, that it will enter the higher-power mode again upon detectionof three steps of the subject by the inertial measuring circuit 3006.

Back at state 3110, the processing circuit 3004 can take one of a numberof actions. As described above, if, at step 3112, the processing circuit3004 was unsuccessful in receiving data for ten steps of the subject,then the processing circuit continues to wait for the subject to take apreviously set minimum number (e.g., three), of steps so that it canproceed again to the higher-power mode at state 3112. But if, at state3112, the processing circuit 3004 was successful in receiving data forten steps of the subject, then the processing circuit remains at state3110 until the end of the lower-power mode (e.g., eight hours total), atwhich point the processing circuit returns to the standby mode at state3106, and then to the deep-sleep state at state 3108. Or, the processingcircuit 3004 can return to states 3108 and 3106 virtually immediately inresponse to a successful completion of the higher-power mode at state3112; that is, the processing circuit 3004 may maintain the electroniccircuitry 2078 in the lower-power mode only until it is able tosuccessfully obtain data from the inertial measurement circuit 3006 forten steps of the subject, or until a set maximum time (e.g., eighthours) of the lower-power mode.

During the standby state 3106 before entering the deep-sleep state 3108,the processing circuit 3004 can activate the radio circuit 3010 andtransmit the data corresponding to the higher-power mode, and,optionally, a step count, to an external destination.

The processing circuit 3004 (and all the other circuits of theelectronic circuitry 2078 but for the timing circuit 3002) remains atstate 3106 until the timing circuit activates the processing circuit forthe next lower-power mode LPM.

Still referring to FIGS. 25-26 , by entering a command via a basestation (described below), a doctor or other medical professional cancause the electronic circuitry 2078 to enter an on-command mode, such asa doctor's office mode as described above, even while the electroniccircuitry is otherwise scheduled to be inactive. For example, thecommand may be received by the timing circuit 3002, and may cause thetiming circuit to activate the processing circuit 3004, which,therefore, exits the deep-sleep state 3108 and proceeds to state 3106 ina manner similar to that described above. Next, the processing circuit3004 enters the on-command mode at state 3114, such as the doctor'soffice mode, in which, for example, the processing circuit activates atleast three accelerometers and at least three gyroscopes of the inertialmeasurement circuit 3006 so that, e.g., a doctor, can put a subjectthrough a battery of tests and analyze the performance of the kneeprosthesis. As described above, to preserve the charge on the battery2042 (FIG. 20 ), the processing circuit 3004 can limit the length of theon-command mode, the number of times per period P, or the total numberof times, that one can cause the electronic circuitry 2078 to operate inan on-command mode.

Still referring to FIGS. 25-26 and Tables I and II, alternateembodiments of the above-described power-savings routines arecontemplated. For example, although Tables I and II include threeperiods P over the anticipated lifetime of the battery 2042, theanticipated lifetime of the battery can include more or fewer than threeperiods P. Furthermore, although Table II shows only one lower-powermode LPM and one higher-power mode HPM per period P, there may be moreor fewer than one lower-power mode, or more or fewer than onehigher-power mode, per period P. Moreover, the operational modes can bedesigned for any suitable level of energy consumption by setting anyconfigurable parameters (e.g., number of sensors of the inertialmeasurement circuit 3006 activated, sampling rates and samplingresolution of sensor outputs, and the time that the processing circuitry3004 and various peripheral circuits are active) to any suitable values.In addition, the programming/configuration of one or more components(e.g., timer 3002, processing circuit 3004) of the electronic circuitry2078 can be changed via a base station (described below) that cancommunicate with the electronic circuitry via the antenna 216 and theradio 3010. Furthermore, if the electronic circuitry 2078, or otherportion of the implantable reporting processor 206 (FIGS. 19A-19B),includes a battery-recharging mechanism or circuit, then the routinesdescribed above can be modified to take recharging into account.Moreover, instead of activating two linear accelerators of the inertialmeasurement unit 3006 during a lower-power mode LPM, the processingcircuit 3004 can activate a pedometer that is part of, or that isseparate from, the inertial measurement unit. In addition, the routinesdescribed above can include additional steps not described, can omit oneor more described steps, or can change the order in which the describedsteps are performed.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a base station 3500 configured to facilitatecommunications with the implantable reporting processor 206 of FIGS.19A-19B prior to implantation of a prosthesis, according to anembodiment.

In an operating room 3502 before an operation to surgically implant,into a patient, a prosthesis, such as a knee prosthesis, that is relatedto (e.g., that includes) the implantable reporting processor 206, oneconnects a universal-serial-bus (USB) port 3504 of a computing system3506 to a USB port 3508 of the base station 3500. The computing system3506 can be a personal computer, a laptop, a smart phone, a tabletcomputer, or the like. The computing system 3506 can include a keyboard3510 or other input device to allow a doctor or technician to entercommands to the implantable reporting processor 206, and may generate ona display 3512 a graphical user interface (GUI) corresponding to theimplantable reporting processor.

There are two procedures to link the patient with his/her implantablereporting processor 206.

According to a first procedure, prior to surgery, the patient receives abase station from his/her clinician for home installation. At home, thepatient installs the base station 3500 and configures it for connectingit to the internet by connecting the power cord, powering on the basestation, and connecting the base station to his/her home internetdirectly (e.g., via a wireless router) or via a supplied wireless rangeextender 3532 (if present in the configuration) using conventionalwireless technology, examples of which include WiFi®, Bluetooth®, orBluetooth Low Energy®. Using a home computer, tablet, smart phone, orother internet accessing device with input capability, the patientestablishes an account with the manufacturer of the implantablereporting processor 206 using methods known to those skilled in the art,and the manufacture (e.g., the manufacturer's website) assigns a uniquepatient identifier to the patient. The patent identifier allows acorrespondence to be established between the patient and a base station3500. Once the patient returns home after the procedure in which theprosthesis including the implantable reporting processor 206 isimplanted, the installed base station 3500 transmits a query as towhether an implantable reporting processor 206 associated with theunique patient identifier is in the vicinity of the base station 3500.If so, the implantable reporting processor 206 provides its registration(e.g., its serial number) and associated contents of its non-volatilememory to the base station 3500 in response to the query, and the basestation, in turn, provides this information to the internet accountassociated with the unique patient identifier, thereby forming acorrespondence between the patient, the implantable reporting processor,and the contents of the processor's non-volatile memory.

According to a second, alternative procedure, the surgeon, nurse, othermedical professional, or technician (hereinafter “technician”),registers the implantable prosthesis that includes the implantablereporting processor 206 with an online/cloud database (FIG. 28 ) (thisalternative procedure is typically viable only if there is internetaccess in the operating room in which the implant surgery is to occur).The technician enters into the computing system 3506 via the keyboard3510 and GUI a unique patient identifier. Therefore, the patient isthereafter associated with the prosthesis, and vice-versa, for example,in a cloud database administered by the implant manufacturer or animplant analyzer. Alternatively, the technician can use a barcodescanner (not shown in FIG. 27 ) coupled to the computing system 3506 toscan the patient identifier from a tag on the implantable reportingprocessor 206 (or on the prosthesis with which the implantable reportingprocessor is related) into the computing system 3506. In addition to thepatient identifier, the technician can enter an internet-protocol (IP)address of the implantable reporting processor 206, which can then beconfigured, for example, as an element of an internet-of-things (IoT)network.

Next, in response to a command entered into the computing system 3506 bythe technician, the base station 3500 polls the implantable reportingprocessor 206 to request the opening of a communication channel; thebase station may use amplitude shift keying (such binary amplitude shiftkeying) as a modulation protocol while polling the implantable reportingprocessor. Typically, the implantable reporting processor 206 is in a“warehouse” mode, during which the timer 3002 (FIG. 25 ) enables theradio circuit 3010 (FIG. 25 ) to sense such a polling request onlyperiodically, such as every ten minutes. Therefore, it may take a fewminutes before the implantable reporting processor 206 responds to thebase station 3500.

The implantable reporting processor 206 allows the base station 3500 toopen the channel only if the base station transmits to the implantablereporting processor the patient identifier previously entered into thecomputing system 3506 described above; therefore, the base station 3500stores this identifier in nonvolatile memory so that whenever it seeksto establish communication with the implantable reporting processor, ithas access to the identifier. The implantable reporting processor 206can also store the patient identifier in nonvolatile memory. In additionto providing a level of security to the channel, the identifier isuseful to keep track of multiple channels in an environment where thebase station 3500 is communicating with multiple implantable reportingprocessors 206.

In opening the channel, the base station 3500 can implement conventionalsecurity, such as conventional password protection and encryption.

After the channel is open, the base station 3500 receives, from theimplantable reporting processor 206, a unique serial number of theprosthesis, and associates the serial number with the patientidentifier. Thereafter, the patient is associated with the prosthesis,and vice-versa, for example, in a cloud database. Furthermore, theimplantable reporting processor 206, the base station 3500, or both theimplantable reporting processor and the base station, can store theserial number and the patient identifier in respective nonvolatilememory. After the channel is open, the base station 3500 receives fromthe computing system 3506, and transmits to the implantable reportingprocessor 206, configuration information, such as an energy-consumptionprofile as described above in conjunction with Tables I and II and FIGS.25-26 . While transmitting information to the implantable reportingprocessor 206, the base station 3500 can use frequency-shift-keying(FSK) modulation, and can include error-correction coding in thetransmitted signal.

During and after the implanting surgery but while the patient is stillin the hospital, the base station 3500 may continue to poll theimplantable reporting processor 206 to verify that it is stillfunctioning properly.

When the patient is ready to leave the hospital, he/she can take thebase station 3500 with him/her for home use (described below inconjunction with FIG. 28 ), or the technician can configure another basestation for home use, e.g., by storing on the other base station thepatient identifier, and, optionally, the prosthesis serial number. Ineither case, the technician can cause the base station 3500 to beconfigured for home use before the patient takes the base station home.

Still referring to FIG. 27 , alternate embodiments of the base station3500 are contemplated. For example, the base station 3500 can include aninput device and a display, and can generate a GUI on the display, suchthat the computing system 3506 can be omitted. Furthermore, although thebase station 3500 is described as downloading the configurationinformation to the implantable reporting processor 206 before theprosthesis and implantable reporting processor are implanted in thepatient, the base station can download the configuration informationafter, or during, the implantation surgery. In addition, the basestation 3500 can store this configuration information in case theimplantable reporting processor 206 needs to be configured orreconfigured after the subject returns home for recovery and normalactivities. Furthermore, the first procedure for establishing a linkbetween the patient and the implantable reporting processor 206 caninclude more or fewer steps, and can include one or more of the steps ofthe second, alternative procedure; similarly, the second, alternativeprocedure for establishing a link between the patient and theimplantable reporting processor 206 can include more or fewer steps, andcan include one or more of the steps of the first procedure.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of a network 3502 including the base station 3500,which is configured to facilitate communications with the implantablereporting processor 206 while the patient, in which the implantablereporting processor is implanted, is at home, according to anembodiment.

In its home configuration, the base station 3500 interfaces theimplantable reporting processor 206 with a remote server, such as acloud server 3530, to which the implantable reporting processoruploads/pushes prosthesis-related information that the implantablereporting processor collects and generates.

The base station 3500 may not communicate directly with the cloud database or remote server, but may do so via an optional range extender3532, which is configured to be dedicated to the base station, abridge/access point 3534, which is also configured, e.g., byconventional precoding, to be dedicated to the base station, and aconventional wireless router/modem 3536.

Because the range of the base station 3500 relative to the implantablereporting processor 206 is relatively short, for example, in a range of2-10 meters (m), the base station is typically located in the patient'sbedroom (e.g., on a night stand) within range of the patient's bed.

Furthermore, the base station 3500 can be configured to communicatewith, and to interface to a remote server, multiple implantablereporting processors 206. For example, the patient may have multipleimplanted prostheses, such as more than one implanted prosthesisselected from the following: a knee prosthesis, a hip prosthesis, ashoulder prosthesis, and a breast prosthesis. To keep track of thedifferent prostheses of a single patient, the base station 3500 isconfigured to associate a single patient identifier with each prosthesisserial number such that multiple prostheses are assigned to the singlepatient. When the base station 3500 communicates with a prosthesis, itis configured to include, in its initial poll, both the patientidentifier and the prosthesis serial number so that only the polledprosthesis responds to the poll. To keep track of the differentprostheses of multiple patients, the base station 3500 is configured toassociate each patient identifier with each serial number of theprosthesis (or prostheses) of that patient. When the base station 3500communicates with a prosthesis, it is configured to include, in itsinitial poll, both the patient identifier and the serial number so thatonly the polled prosthesis responds to the poll. For example, a singlebase station 3500 can be used to communicate with prostheses belongingto different patients in a nursing home, rehabilitation center, or wheremembers of the same household each have at least one prosthesis.Therefore, as described above in conjunction with FIG. 27 , the basestation 3500 is configured to use the unique patient identifier for eachpatient, and the prosthesis serial number if needed, to keep track ofthe implantable reporting processor 206 with which it is communicatingat any given time.

Referring to FIGS. 25-28 , in operation, a patient or other person usesa standard device (e.g., computer, smart phone) to open an onlineaccount on a remote server with the patient's unique patient identifier;for example, the patient can open the account when he/she returns homefrom the prosthesis-implantation surgery, or can do so before he/she isadmitted for the implantation surgery. Thereafter, the base station 3500sends data to the cloud database 3530 or the remote server (not shown inFIG. 28 ), which correlates the data with the patient by matching thepatient identifier included in the data with the account associated withthe identifier. The data also can include the serial number for eachprosthesis implanted in the patient; therefore, the cloud database 3530or the remote server can associate the so-identified prosthesis (orprostheses) with the patient.

Thereafter, the base station 3500 periodically polls each implantablereporting processor 206 to which it is associated at regular intervals,such as every thirty seconds. As described above in conjunction withFIGS. 25-26 and Tables I and II, to maintain energy draw on the battery2042 (FIG. 20 ) at designed-for levels, the timing circuit 3002 (FIG. 25) of each implantable reporting processor 206 enables the radio circuit3010 (FIG. 25 ) to receive a communication request from the base station3500 only periodically, for example, once every ten minutes, during“listening” windows of, for example, one minute. Therefore, thefrequency at which the base station 3500 polls each implantablereporting processor 206 is sufficient to ensure that the poll doesn't“miss” a listening window. Furthermore, the poll can include theidentifier of the implantable reporting processor 206 being polled (thisidentifier can be the serial number of the prosthesis as describedabove).

In response to a poll from the base station 3500 during a listeningwindow, the radio circuit 3010 (FIG. 25 ) causes the timing circuit 3002to activate the processing circuit 3004, or the radio circuit activatesthe processing circuit 3004 directly.

After being activated, the processing circuit 3004 (FIG. 25 ) respondsto the poll by sending, via the radio circuit 3010, informationcollected from, and generated in response to, e.g., the inertialmeasurement circuit 3006, since the last push of information. If theprocessing circuit 3004 has neither collected nor generated any suchinformation since the last push (e.g., a patient with a shoulderprosthesis has his/her arm in a sling and, therefore, did not “use” theprosthesis sufficiently for the inertial measurement circuit to generateinformation), it responds to the poll by indicating that it has noinformation to send. As described above, such information can include,for example, a step count for one or more days, information collectedduring a higher-power mode HPM, and data that the processing circuit3004 generated by analyzing the collected information. The processingcircuit 3004 is configured to push this information by retrieving theinformation from the memory 3008 and coupling the retrieved informationto the radio circuit 3010 for transmission to the base station 3500.

The base station 3500 then transmits the information received from theimplantable reporting processor 206 to the cloud database 3530 or remoteserver (which can be cloud based) via the range extender 3532 (ifpresent), access point 3534 (if present), and router 3536.

The base station 3500 is also configured to provide configuration andother information to the implantable reporting processor 206. Forexample, to change the configuration of the implantable reportingprocessor 206, a technician, doctor, or other authorized person can sendconfiguration information to the router 3536 via the internet, and thenthe router can provide this information to the base station 3500 via theaccess port 3534 (if present) and the range extender 3532 (if present).The base station 3500 stores this information until the next poll towhich the implantable reporting processor 206 responds, at which timethe base station provides this configuration information to theimplantable reporting processor. Or it can be the base station 3500 thatstores the information in Table II, and reconfigures the implantablereporting processor 206 for a period P (e.g., P2) after the expirationof the prior period P (e.g., P1).

Still referring to FIG. 28 , alternate embodiments of the network 3502and the base station 3500, and the system of which the base stationforms part, are contemplated. For example, although shown as wiredconnected to the router 3536, the access point 3534 can be configuredfor wireless connection to the router. Furthermore, the base station3500 can be configured to communicate directly with the router 3536either in wired or wireless fashion such that the range extender 3532and the access point 3534 can be omitted. Moreover, the base station3500 itself can have a unique station identifier. If the base station3500 provides its station identifier to a remote server, and the remoteserver associates the base station, using its station identifier, to apatient's account, then if the remote server determines that it has not“heard from” a prosthesis of a patient for longer than a thresholdperiod of time (e.g., 1 to 3 days), the remote server can poll the basestation. If the base station 3500 responds, then the remote server“knows” that the base station is functioning, and can command the basestation to perform a routine designed to determine if the implantablereporting processor 206 is malfunctioning, or merely has been out ofcommunication range of the base station. In addition, the remote servercan be configured to associate multiple base stations 3500 to aparticular patient and prosthesis. For example, a patient may have onebase station 3500 for his/her primary residence, another base stationfor his/her vacation home, and still another base station for travel.Furthermore, a base station 3500 can be configured to establishcommunications with any implantable reporting processor 206 of anypatient within range of the base station, and to provide data from suchan implantable reporting processor 206 to the cloud database 3530 or theremote server. For example, the base station 3500 in a rehabilitationfacility can be configured to send out general polls in addition toprosthetic-specific polls. If a patient is checked into rehab, insteadof having to manually associate a base station 3500 with the patient'sprosthesis, the prosthesis can be configured to recognize such a generalpoll, and, in response to the general poll, to send to the base stationthe patient's unique identifier and prosthesis serial number so that thebase station can upload data from the prosthesis to the cloud database3530 or to the remote server, either of which can associate the datawith the correct patient account.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of the base station 3600 configured to facilitatecommunications with the implantable reporting processor 206 while thepatient in which the implantable reporting processor is implanted is atdoctor's office or other medical facility for, e.g., a checkup,according to an embodiment. The base station 3600 can be similar to thebase station 3500 of FIGS. 27-28 , but the base station 3600 can alsoinclude additional circuitry and a control panel (not shown in FIG. 29 )to allow a doctor or other medical professional to put the implantablereporting processor 206 into a test or other mode while the patient isin the office.

In a doctor's office (or other medical facility) 3602, before a checkupof a subject who has an implanted prosthesis, such as a knee prosthesis,that is related to (e.g., that includes) the implantable reportingprocessor 206, one connects a universal-serial-bus (USB) port 3604 of acomputing system 3606 to a USB port 3608 of the base station 3600. Thecomputing system 3606 can be a personal computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like. The computing system 3606 caninclude a keyboard 3610 or other input device to allow a doctor ortechnician to enter commands to the implantable reporting processor 206,and may generate on a display 3612 a graphical user interface (GUI)corresponding to the implantable reporting processor. Alternatively, asdescribed above, the base station 3600 can include an input device toallow the doctor/technician to enter commands to the implantablereporting processor 206, in which case the computing system 3606 can beomitted. For purposes of explanation, however, the following exampleassumes that an interface and display (not shown in FIG. 29 ) that arepart of the base station 3600 are used to issue commands to, and toreceive and to display information from, the implantable reportingprocessor 206, it being understood that the these functions could alsobe performed using the computing system 3606. Furthermore, although adoctor is described as performing certain actions, it is understood thata nurse, technician, or other personnel can perform these actions.

First, a doctor enters into the computing system 3606 via the keyboard3610 and GUI an identity of the implantable reporting processor 206; thedoctor may obtain the identity from medical records or from the patient.

Next, in response to a command entered into the computing system 3606 bythe doctor, the base station 3600 polls the implantable reportingprocessor 206 to request the opening of a communication channel; thebase station may use amplitude shift keying (such binary amplitude shiftkeying) as a modulation protocol while polling the implantable reportingprocessor. As discussed above, the timer 3002 (FIG. 9 ) enables theradio circuit 3010 (FIG. 25 ) to sense such a polling request onlyperiodically, such as every ten minutes. Therefore, it may take a fewminutes before the implantable reporting processor 206 responds to thebase station 3600. To insure that the base station's polling fallswithin a listening window of the implantable reporting processor 206,the base station 3600 can poll frequently, such as once per second.

In response to the command and the identifier, the implantable reportingprocessor 206 allows the base station 3600 to open the channel.

In opening the channel, the base station 3600 can implement conventionalsecurity, such as conventional password protection and encryption.

After the channel is open, the doctor can issue other commands via thebase station 3600.

For example, the doctor can issue a command that causes the implantablereporting processor 206 to enter a test mode, such as the HPMmode/six-degree-of-freedom mode described above in conjunction Table IIand FIG. 26 . Because the test mode may be time-limited (e.g., to threeminutes) as described above, the doctor can start and stop the mode, byissuing commands, so that he can make maximum use of the allotted time.For example, if the subject has a knee prosthesis, then the doctor maytell the subject to start walking down a long hall, and start the testwhen the subject reaches a constant walking speed, and stop the testafter a number of steps or elapsed time. It is noted that because therange of the base station 3600 relative to the implantable reportingprocessor 206 may be only 2 m-3 m, the doctor may need to carry the basestation 3600 and walk with the patient so that the base station canreceive all of the test data sent by the implantable reportingprocessor. Therefore, the base station 3600 can include a battery sothat it is portable. Alternatively, so that the doctor need not walkwith the subject, the processing circuit 3004 (FIG. 25 ) can save all ofthe test information in the memory 3008 (FIG. 25 ) for transmission tothe base station 3600 after the test is complete.

The doctor can start and stop the test a number of times, as long as thetotal test time does not exceed the time limit described above. Forexample, a next step of the test may be to have the patient lie downwhile the doctor manipulates the prosthesis to determine, e.g., a rangeof motion.

If the implantable reporting processor 206 did not transmit the testdata to the base station 3600 during the test, then, in response to arequest form the base station, the implantable reporting processorsends, via the radio circuit 3010 (FIG. 25 ) the information to the basestation.

The doctor can then upload this test information to a computing system,such as the computing system 3606, or to a remote server, such as acloud-based server 3614, for analysis. In the latter case, the basestation 3600 can connect to the remote server via the computing system3606, or via, e.g., a range extender, access point, and router in amanner similar to that described above in conjunction with FIG. 28 .

The doctor can then share the results of the analysis with the subject.

The doctor can also re-configure the implantable reporting processor 206via the base station 3600, for example, by changing the parameters ofthe lower-power modes LPM and higher-power modes HPM that the processor3004 (FIG. 25 ) executes during various periods P. The amounts by whichthe doctor can change these parameters may be constrained to ensure thatthe battery 2042 (FIG. 25 ) has its designed-for lifetime.

At the end of the check-up, the doctor can issue, via the base station3600, a command that causes the implantable reporting processor 206 toreturn to its non-test mode of operation.

Still referring to FIG. 29 , alternate embodiments of the base station3600, and the system of which the base station forms part, arecontemplated. For example, although shown having a wired USB connectionto the computing system 3606, the base station 3600 can be connected tothe computing system in another manner such as wirelessly. Furthermore,although described for use with an implantable reporting processor 206that is associated with a knee prosthesis, the implantable reportingprocessor can be associated with any other type of prosthesis, or anyother type of implantable device or structure.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the base station 3500 of FIGS. 27-28 ,according to an embodiment. And where the base station 3600 of FIG. 29is the same as the base station 3500, then FIG. 30 is also an explodedview of the base station 3600.

The base station 3500 includes a housing assembly 3540, a foot 3542configured to support the housing assembly, a printed-circuit-boardassembly 3544, and a faceplate assembly 3546.

The housing assembly 3540 and foot 3542 can be formed from any suitablematerial such as plastic. The printed-circuit-board assembly 3544 isconfigured to have mounted thereon circuitry (described below inconjunction with FIG. 33A) configured to provide the functioning of thebase station 3500, and an antenna (not shown in FIG. 30 ) configured toallow the base station to communicate with the antenna 2046 of theimplantable reporting processor 206 (e.g., FIG. 19B) and with a clouddata base 3530 (FIG. 28 ) or a remote server via, e.g., the rangeextender 3532 (if present), access point 3534 (if present), and wirelessrouter/modem 3536 (FIG. 28 ).

The printed-circuit-board assembly 3544 can be formed from any suitablematerial, such as a plastic or a resin, and can have any suitable numberof electrically conducting and electrically insulating layers.

And the faceplate assembly 3546 is configured to cover and seal theinterior of the housing assembly 3540, and can be formed from anysuitable material such as a plastic.

A serial-number label 3548 is mounted to a bottom of the housingassembly 3540, and includes the serial number of the base station 3500.

A USB port 3550 is mounted inside of the housing assembly 3540, as is apower button/switch assembly 3552, which includes a return spring 3554and a light assembly, and a battery light assembly 3556. Thepower-button light assembly is configured to generate a light toindicate that the base station 3500 is powered “on,” and is configuredto generate no light to indicate that the base station is “off.”Similarly, the battery light assembly 3556 is configured to generatelight of one color (e.g., green) to indicate that a battery or acapacitor (neither shown in FIG. 30 ) is fully, or nearly fully,charged, and to generate light of one or more other colors to indicateone or more other respective levels of charge on the battery or acapacitor.

The faceplate assembly 3546 includes a power-button/switch viewingportion 3558, molded elastomeric buttons 3560, which allow a user, suchas a patient, to push buttons/switches (not shown in FIG. 30 ) mountedto the printed-circuit-board assembly 3544, and includes a gasketed edge3562, which engages (e.g., by “snapping” into) an edge receptacle 3564of the housing assembly 3540. The viewing portion 3558 is transparentbut covered to allow viewing of the power-button light while maintaininga seal.

And screws 3566 are configured to hold together the various components(e.g., the housing assembly 3540, foot 3542, printed-circuit-boardassembly 3544, and faceplate assembly 3546) of the base station 3500.

FIG. 31 is a cut-away side view of a portion of the base station 3500 ofFIG. 30 , according to an embodiment. And where the base station 3600 ofFIG. 29 is the same as the base station 3500, then FIG. 31 is also acut-away side view of the same portion of the base station 3600. Anelastomeric gasket 3568 is configured to form a seal along the gasketededge 3562 and the edge receptacle 3564. And a standoff assembly 3570attaches the faceplate assembly 3546 to the housing assembly 3540.

FIG. 32 is a cut-away side view of another portion of the base station3500 of FIG. 30 , according to an embodiment. And where the base station3600 of FIG. 29 is the same as the base station 3500, then FIG. 32 isalso a cut-away side view of the same portion of the base station 3600.The power button/switch assembly 3552 includes an O-ring 3572 configuredto form a fluid-tight seal, and a battery light pipe 3574 of the batterylight assembly 3556 includes a light that is configured to show, by thecolor of the light, the charge level of a battery or a capacitor(neither shown in FIG. 32 ) in the base station 3500, where the batteryor capacitor allows operation of the base station while the base stationis disconnected from AC power (e.g., while a doctor is following apatient with the base station during an exam as described above).Transparent portion 3558 of the faceplate assembly 3546 allows one tosee the button light while maintaining a flexible seal that still allowsone to push the bottom to turn the base station 3500 “on” or “off.”Similarly, another transparent portion of the faceplate assembly 3546allows one to see the battery light while maintaining a seal (thistransparent portion may not be flexible because the battery lighttypically is not configured to be pushed).

FIG. 33A is a schematic block diagram of the electronic circuitry 3800and the antennas 3802 and 3804 of the base station 3500 of FIGS. 27-28and 30-32 and of the base station 3600 of FIGS. 29-32 , according to anembodiment.

The base-station electronic circuitry 3800 includes the followingcircuit components: a radio circuit 3806, a memory 3808, a processingcircuit 3810, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 3812, an optionaldoctor-office circuitry 3814, one or more power supplies 3816, apower-management circuit 3818, a USB circuit 3820, and a radio 3822.

The antenna 3802 is for communication with the implantable reportingprocessor 206 of FIGS. 27-29 . For example, the antenna 3802 can bedesigned to communicate with the implantable reporting processor 206over a wireless link at a carrier frequency ranging from about 400MHz-2.4 GHz.

The antenna 3804 is for communication with one or more of a WiFi rangeextender, an access point, and a wireless router such as described abovein conjunction with FIG. 28 .

The radio circuit 3806 is configured to communicate with the implantablereporting processor 206 of FIGS. 27-29 via the antenna 3802, and can be,for example, a Microsemi ZL70103 radio IC.

The memory circuit 3808 is a nonvolatile memory that can be configuredto store programming and configuration data for the processing circuit3810, and data generated or received by the processing circuit. Thememory 38008 can be any type of nonvolatile memory such as ROM, PROM,EPROM, and EEPROM.

The processing circuit 3810 is configured to interact with and controlthe other component circuits of the base-station circuitry 3800, and canbe a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or any other computing circuit,such as a Texas Instruments® TM4C129 microcontroller IC.

The LEDs 3812 are configured to be controlled to be on or off by theprocessing circuit 3810 for providing status or other information to anobserver. For examples, two of the LEDs 3812 can be used as thepower-button light and the battery light, respectively (FIGS. 30-32 ).

The doctor-office circuitry 3814 is included at least in the basestation 3600 of FIG. 29 , and provides the functionality and features(e.g., input buttons, display) of the base station 3600 that facilityuse of the base station in a doctor's office or other medical setting.

The one or more power supplies 3816 provide power to the other circuitcomponents of the base-station circuitry 3800, and can include, e.g., abattery and a switching power supply.

The power-management circuit 3818 interfaces the power line of the USBcircuit 3820 to the one or more power supplies 3816, and can include aprotection circuit that limits the current drawn from the USB powerline.

The USB circuit 3820 includes the USB connector 3508/3608 of FIGS. 27and 29 .

And the radio circuit 3822 is configured to communicate with, e.g., theinternet, via the antenna 3804 and a wireless router or other componentper above, and can be, for example, a Texas Instruments CC3100MOD radioIC.

Still referring to FIG. 33A, alternate embodiments of the base-stationelectronic circuitry 3800 are contemplated. For example, the electroniccircuitry 3800 can include circuits other than those described above;examples of such other circuits include volatile memory such asrandom-access memory (RAM). Furthermore, some or all of the componentcircuits of the electronic circuitry 3800 can be disposed on one or moreintegrated circuits, or can be discrete component circuits. In addition,the processing circuit 3810 can execute any suitable routine in anymanner to interact with and to control the other components of theelectronic circuitry 3800.

FIG. 33B is a diagram of a network 3830 including the base station 3500,which is configured to facilitate communications with one or moreimplantable reporting processors 206 while a patient (or patients) inwhich the implantable reporting processor(s) is(are) implanted is(are)at home, according to an embodiment. The configuration of the basestation 3500 is similar to that described above in conjunction with FIG.28 , except that in the embodiment described in conjunction with FIG.33B, the base station is configured to communicate with, and otherwiseto interact with, a voice-command device 3840, examples of which includean Amazon Echo®, an Amazon Dot®, a Google Home®, a Google Glasses® orother wearable device, or a smart phone with voice-command capability.Representative examples of suitable voice-command devices (also referredto as, for example, a “voice controlled assistant”) and features thereofare described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,855,295; 9,473,64;9,472,206; 9,391,575; 9,368,105; 9,251,787; 9,304,736; 9,390,724;9,424,840; and 9,418,658; and U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2015/0279365;2015/0109191; 2014/0365884; 2013/0317823; 2011/0184740; 2015/0279389;and 2014/0180697, all of which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Within alternative embodiments of the invention, certain criticalcomponents of the base station, e.g., the electronic circuitry 3800, maybe connected directly to or contained within a voice-command device.

Within related embodiments of the invention, the voice-command devicecan respond to queries from a subject. For example, a statement by asubject “My knee hurts” can processed by the device, time stamped andstored with records associated with the subject. Such subjectivestatements made by the patient or a health care professional can becorrelated with objective measurements obtained from the subject, aswell as to other forms of data that may be collected from the subject orthe subject's implant.

Each of the base stations as disclosed herein may incorporate thevoice-command feature, or equivalently, a device having voice-commandcapability may be modified or supplemented to incorporate the featuresof the base station. In either event, a person is able to verballycommunicate with a voice-command device in order to place additionalinformation into the record that is being generated by the IRPinteracting with the base station. Additionally, a person is able toverbally communicate with a voice-command device in order to obtaininformation from the record that is being generated by the IRPinteracting with the base station. Optionally, the verbal query from theperson will cause the IRP to obtain information specifically in responseto the query.

The base station 3500 (or the wireless range extender 3532 if present inthe configuration) includes, or is fitted with (e.g., has inserted inits USB port 3550 (FIG. 30 )), a dongle (not shown in FIG. 33B) thatallows the base station to communicate wirelessly with the voice-commanddevice 3840 using conventional wireless technology, examples of whichinclude WiFi®, Bluetooth®, or Bluetooth Low Energy®.

While configured for communicating with the voice-command device 3840,the base station 3500 can communicate with the cloud database 3530, or aremote server (not shown in FIG. 33B) via the voice-command device, orcan bypass the voice-command device and communicate directly with thewireless access point 3534 (if present), with the range extender 3532(if present), or with the modem 3536 if neither the wireless accesspoint nor the range extender is present.

The base station 3500 communicating via the voice-command device 3840can provide one or more advantages.

For example, the voice-command device 3840 can be configured, withsoftware, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two of more of theseitems, such that in response to a command from the base station 3500,the voice-command device initiates a “conversation” with the patient.The base station 3500 or the voice-command device 3840 can be configuredto provide information gleaned from the conversation, or to provide arecording of the conversation itself, to the cloud database 3530 or theremote server (not shown in FIG. 33B) for analysis. As a furtherexample, the voice-command device 3840 can be configured to ask apatient with a knee prosthesis “how is your knee today?” The patient canrespond, for example, “it is fine,” or “something is wrong.” In responseto “it is fine,” the voice-command device 3840 can be configured to stopthe conversation with the patient, and to send to the base station 3500information indicating that the patient is experiencing no problems withthe prosthetic knee. In response to “something is wrong,” thevoice-command device 3840 can be configured to “ask” the patient one ormore follow-up questions designed to help the remote server, or adoctor, determine the problem, if any, with the knee prosthesis.Alternatively, the base station 3500 can be configured to command thevoice-command device 3840 to ask one or more follow-up questions. Thebase station 3500 can be configured to include information gleaned fromthe patient's response to the one or more follow-up questions in theinformation that the base station sends to the cloud database 3530 orthe remote server. Or, either the base station 3500 or the voice-commanddevice 3840 can be configured to include a recording (e.g., a .wav file)of the “conversation” with the information that the base station sendsto the cloud database 3530 or the remote server.

Further in example, the implantable reporting processor 206, or the basestation 3500, can be configured to send messages to a patient via thevoice-command device 3840, which can vocalize these messages. Forexample, if the processor 2004 determines that there is a problem withan associated implanted prosthesis, the processor can send, via the basestation 3500, a message, in response to which the voice-command device3840 “says” “there is something wrong with your implant, please callyour doctor.” Or, if the processor 2004 is configured to perform a testof a knee prosthesis, the processor can send, via the base station 3500,a message, in response to which the voice-command device 3840 “says”“please walk at least ten steps without stopping.”

Furthermore, the base station 3500 communicating via the voice-commanddevice 3840 can provide additional security for the information from theimplantable reporting processor 206 of the patient's prosthesis,particularly where the processor is not configured to encrypt theinformation that it sends to the base station, or where the base stationis not configured to encrypt the information that it sends to theimplantable reporting processor or to the voice-command device.

The transmission of information from the implantable reporting processer2004 to the base station 3500 is relatively secure, even withoutencryption, for the following reasons. First, the transmitting range ofthe implantable reporting processor 206 is relatively short, e.g., ≤10m, so a data hacker, or hacking device, would need to be very close tothe prosthesis, most likely so close that the patient, or anotherperson, would notice the hacker or device. Second, the implantablereporting processor 206 is configured to transmit the data in anon-standard, possibly proprietary, format, so that even if a hackerwere to obtain the data, he/she would still have to figure out what itmeans, i.e., decode it. And third, the implantable reporting processor206 is configured to transmit the data relatively infrequently (onlyonce per day, or even less frequently, as described above to preservebattery life), so a hacker, or hacking device, would need to be“listening” at precisely the time at which the processor is transmittingdata to the base station 3500.

But relaying the prosthesis data via the voice-command device 3840 canallow the base station 3500 to “piggy back” on the encryption, and toutilize other data-security features, that the voice-command device isconfigured to provide. For example, the patient could configure thevoice-command device 3840 to operate in an encrypted mode such that thebase-station dongle encrypts data that it sends to the voice-commanddevice (via the dongle), and such that the voice-command device encryptsdata that it sends to the base station 3500 and to the router 3534 (ordirectly to the modem 3536). This encryption can be compatible with thewireless router 3534 and the modem 3536 such that the wireless router orthe modem can be configured to decrypt (and possibly re-encrypt) thedata from the voice-command device 3840 before the router/modem relaysthe data to the cloud database 3530 or to the remote server, and can beconfigured to encrypt data from the cloud database or remote serverbefore sending the data to the voice-command device.

Still referring to FIG. 33B, alternative embodiments of theconfiguration of the network 3830 are contemplated. For example, thebase station 3500 can be made part of, or can be incorporated within,the voice-command device 3840. Furthermore, if the voice-command device3840 is a smart phone, then the device can be configured to allow apatient to field and answer “questions” in text instead of in voice.FIG. 34 illustrates a context diagram of a kinematic implantable deviceenvironment 6100. In the environment, a kinematic implantable device6102 is implanted by a medical practitioner in the body of a patient.The kinematic implantable device 6102 is arranged to collect dataincluding operational data of the device 6102 along with kinematic dataassociated with particular movement of the patient or particularmovement of a portion of the patient's body. The kinematic implantabledevice 6102 communicates with one or more base stations during differentstages of monitoring the patient.

For example, in association with a medical procedure, a kinematicimplantable device 6102 is implanted in the patient's body. Coetaneouswith the medical procedure, the kinematic implantable device 6102communicates with an operating room base station 6104. Subsequently,after sufficient recovery from the medical procedure, the patientreturns home wherein the kinematic implantable device 6102 is arrangedto communicate with a home base station 6108. At other times, thekinematic implantable device 6102 is arranged to communicate with adoctor office base station 6112. The kinematic implantable device 6102communicates with each base station via a short range network protocol,such as the medical implant communication service (MICS), the medicaldevice radio communications service (MedRadio), or some other wirelesscommunication protocol suitable for use with the kinematic implantabledevice 6102.

The kinematic implantable device 6102 is implanted into a body of apatient. The kinematic implantable device 6102 may be a standalonemedical device or it may be a component in a larger medical device, suchas an artificial joint (e.g., a knee replacement, a hip replacement, avertebral device, or the like), a breast implant, a femoral rod, or someother implanted medical device that can desirably collect and provide insitu kinematic data, operational data, or other useful data.

The kinematic implantable device 6102 includes one or more sensors tocollect information and kinematic data associated with the use of thebody part to which the kinematic implantable device 6102 is associated.For example, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may include aninertial measurement unit that includes gyroscope(s), accelerometer(s),pedometer(s), or other kinematic sensors to collect acceleration datafor the medial/lateral, anterior/posterior, and anterior/inferior axesof the associated body part; angular velocity for the sagittal, frontal,and transvers planes of the associated body part; force, stress,tension, pressure, duress, migration, vibration, flexure, rigidity, orsome other measurable data.

The kinematic implantable device 6102 collects data at various differenttimes and at various different rates during a monitoring process of thepatient. In some embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 mayoperate in a plurality of different phases over the course of monitoringthe patient so that more data is collected soon after the kinematicimplantable device 6102 is implanted into the patient, but less data iscollected as the patient heals and thereafter.

In one non-limiting example, the monitoring process of the kinematicimplantable device 6102 may include three different phases. A firstphase may last for four months where kinematic data is collected once aday for one minute, every day of the week. After the first phase, thekinematic implantable device 6102 transitions to a second phase thatlasts for eight months and collects kinematic data once a day for oneminute, two days a week. And after the second phase, the kinematicimplantable device 6102 transitions to a third phase that last for nineyears and collects kinematic data one day a week for one minute for thenext nine years. Of course, the time periods associated with each phasemay be longer, shorter, and otherwise controllable. The type and amountof data collected may also be controllable. The added benefit of thispassive monitoring process is that after the first phase of monitoring,the patient will be unaware of when data is being collected. Thus, thecollected data will be protected from potential bias.

Along with the various different phases, the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 can operate in various modes to detect different types ofmovements. In this way, when a predetermined type of movement isdetected, the kinematic implantable device 6102 can increase, decrease,or otherwise control the amount and type of kinematic data and otherdata that is collected.

In one example, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may use apedometer to determine if the patient is walking. If the kinematicimplantable device 6102 measures that a determined number of stepscrosses a threshold value within a predetermined time, then thekinematic implantable device 6102 may determine that the patient iswalking. In response to the determination, the amount and type of datacollected can be started, stopped, increased, decreased, or otherwisesuitably controlled. The kinematic implantable device 6102 may furthercontrol the data collection based on certain conditions, such as whenthe patient stops walking, when a selected maximum amount of data iscollected for that collection session, when the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 times out, or based on other conditions. After data iscollected in a particular session, the kinematic implantable device 6102may stop collecting data until the next day, the next time the patientis walking, after previously collected data is offloaded (e.g., bytransmitting the collected data to the home base station 6108), or inaccordance with one or more other conditions.

The amount and type of data collected by a kinematic implantable device6102 may be different from patient to patient, and the amount and typeof data collected may change for a single patient. For example, amedical practitioner studying data collected by the kinematicimplantable device 6102 of a particular patient may adjust or otherwisecontrol how the kinematic implantable device 6102 collects future data.

The amount and type of data collected by a kinematic implantable device6102 may be different for different body parts, for different types ofmovement, for different patient demographics, or for other differences.Alternatively, or in addition, the amount and type of data collected maychange overtime based on other factors, such as how the patient ishealing or feeling, how long the monitoring process is projected tolast, how much battery power remains and should be conserved, the typeof movement being monitored, the body part being monitored, and thelike. In some cases, the collected data is supplemented with personallydescriptive information provided by the patient such as subjective paindata, quality of life metric data, co-morbidities, perceptions orexpectations that the patient associates with the kinematic implantabledevice 6102, or the like.

In some embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 is implantedinto a patient to monitor movement or other aspects of a particular bodypart. Implantation of the kinematic implantable device 6102 into thepatient may occur in an operating room. As used herein, operating roomincludes any office, room, building, or facility where the kinematicimplantable device 6102 is implanted into the patient. For example, theoperating room may be a typical operating room in a hospital, anoperating room in a surgical clinic or a doctor's office, or any otheroperating theater where the kinematic implantable device 6102 isimplanted into the patient.

The operating room base station 6104 is utilized to configure andinitialize the kinematic implantable device 6102 in association with thekinematic implantable device 6102 being implanted into the patient. Acommunicative relationship is formed between the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 and the operating room base station 6104, for example, basedon a polling signal transmitted by the operating room base station 6104and a response signal transmitted by the kinematic implantable device6102.

Upon forming a communicative relationship, which will often occur priorto implantation of the kinematic implantable device 6102, the operatingroom base station 6104 transmits initial configuration information tothe kinematic implantable device 6102. This initial configurationinformation may include, but is not limited to, a time stamp, a daystamp, an identification of the type and placement of the kinematicimplantable device 6102, information on other implants associated withthe kinematic implantable device, surgeon information, patientidentification, operating room information, and the like.

In some embodiments, the initial configuration information is passedunidirectionally; in other embodiments, initial configuration is passedbidirectionally. The initial configuration information may define atleast one parameter associated with the collection of kinematic data bythe kinematic implantable device 6102. For example, the configurationinformation may identify settings for one or more sensors on thekinematic implantable device 6102 (e.g., accelerometer range,accelerometer output data rate, gyroscope range, gyroscope output datarate, and the like) for each of one or more modes of operation). Theconfiguration information may also include other control information,such as an initial mode of operation of the kinematic implantable device6102, a particular movement that triggers a change in the mode ofoperation, radio settings, data collection information (e.g., how oftenthe kinematic implantable device 6102 wakes up to collected data, howlong it collects data, how much data to collect), home base station 6108identification information, and other control information associatedwith the implantation or operation of the kinematic implantable device6102.

In some embodiments, the configuration information may be pre-stored onthe operating room base station 6104 or an associated computing device.In other embodiments, a surgeon, surgical technician, or some othermedical practitioner may input the control information and otherparameters to the operating room base station 6104 for transmission tothe kinematic implantable device 6102. In at least one such embodiment,the operating room base station 6104 may communicate with an operatingroom configuration computing device 6106. The operating roomconfiguration computing device 6106 includes an application with agraphical user interface that enables the medical practitioner to inputconfiguration information for the kinematic implantable device 6102. Invarious embodiments, the application executing on the operating roomconfiguration computing device 6106 may have some of the configurationinformation predefined, which may or may not be adjustable by themedical practitioner.

The operating room configuration computing device 6106 communicates theconfiguration information to the operating room base station 6104 via awired or wireless network connection (e.g., via a USB connection,Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi connection, etc.), which in turncommunicates it to the kinematic implantable device 6102.

The operating room configuration computing device 6106 may also displayinformation regarding the kinematic implantable device 6102 or theoperating room base station 6104 to the surgeon, surgical technician, orother medical practitioner. For example, the operating roomconfiguration computing device 6106 may display error information if thekinematic implantable device 6102 is unable to store or access theconfiguration information, if the kinematic implantable device 6102 isunresponsive, if the kinematic implantable device 6102 identifies anissue with one of the sensors or radio during an initial self-test, ifthe operating room base station 6104 is unresponsive or malfunctions, orfor other reasons.

Although the operating room base station 6104 and the operating roomconfiguration computing device 6106 are illustrated as separate devices,embodiments are not so limited; rather, the functionality of theoperating room configuration computing device 6106 and the operatingroom base station 6104 may be included in a single computing device orin separate devices as illustrated. In this way, the medicalpractitioner may be enabled in one embodiment to input the configurationinformation directly into the operating room base station 6104.

Once the kinematic implantable device 6102 is implanted into the patientand the patient returns home, the home base station 6108 can communicatewith the kinematic implantable device 6102. The kinematic implantabledevice 6102 can collect kinematic data at determined rates and times,variable rates and times, or otherwise controllable rates and times.Data collection can start when the kinematic implantable device 6102 isinitialized in the operating room, when directed by a medicalpractitioner, or at some later point in time. At least some datacollected by the kinematic implantable device 6102 may be transmitted tothe home base station 6108.

In various embodiments, the home base station 6108 pings the kinematicimplantable device 6102 at periodic, predetermined, or other times todetermine if the kinematic implantable device 6102 is withincommunication range of the home base station 6108. Based on a responsefrom the kinematic implantable device 6102, the home base station 6108determines that the kinematic implantable device 6102 is withincommunication range, and the kinematic implantable device 6102 can berequested, commanded, or otherwise directed to transmit the data it hascollected to the home base station 6108.

The home base station 6108 may in some cases be arranged with anoptional user interface. The user interface may be formed as amultimedia interface that unidirectionally or bi-directionally passesone or more types of multimedia information (e.g., video, audio,tactile, etc.). Via the user interface of a home base station, thepatient 100 or an associate of the patient 100 may enter other data tosupplement the kinematic data collected by the kinematic implantabledevice 6102. A user, for example, may enter personally descriptiveinformation (e.g., age change, weight change, etc.), changes in medicalcondition, co-morbidities, pain levels, quality of life or othersubjective metric data, personal messages for a medical practitioner,and the like. In these embodiments, the personally descriptiveinformation may be entered with a keyboard, mouse, touch-screen,microphone, wired or wireless computing interface, or some other inputmeans. In cases where the personally descriptive information iscollected, the personally descriptive information may include orotherwise be associated with one or more identifiers that associate theinformation with unique identifier of the kinematic implantable device6102, the patient, an associated medical practitioner, an associatedmedical facility, or the like.

In some of these cases, an optional user interface of the home basestation 6108 may also be arranged to deliver information associated withthe kinematic implantable device 6102 to the user from, for example, amedical practitioner. In these cases, the information delivered to theuser may be delivered via a video screen, an audio output device, atactile transducer, a wired or wireless computing interface, or someother like means.

In embodiments where the home base station 6108 is arranged with a userinterface the user interface may be formed with an internal userinterface arranged for communicative coupling to a patient portaldevice. The patent portal device may be smartphone, a tablet, abody-worn device, a weight or other health measurement device (e.g.,thermometer, bathroom scale, etc.), or some other computing devicecapable of wired or wireless communication. In these cases, the user isable to enter the personally descriptive information, and the user mayalso be able to receive information associated with their implantabledevice 6102.

The home base station 6108 utilizes a home network 6110 of the patientto transmit the collected data (i.e., kinematic data and in some cases,personally descriptive information) to cloud 6116. The home network6110, which may be a local area network, provides access from the homeof the patient to a wide area network, such as the internet. In someembodiments, the home base station 6108 may utilize a Wi-Fi connectionto connect to the home network 6110 and access the internet. In otherembodiments, the home base station 6108 may be connected to a homecomputer (not illustrated) of the patient, such as via a USB connection,which itself is connected to the home network 6110.

Along with transmitting collected data to the cloud 6116, the home basestation 6108 may also obtain data, commands, or other information fromthe cloud 6116 via the home network 6110. The home base station 6108 mayprovide some or all of the received data, commands, or other informationto the kinematic implantable device 6102. Examples of such informationinclude, but are not limited to, updated configuration information,diagnostic requests to determine if the kinematic implantable device6102 is functioning properly, data collection requests, and otherinformation.

The cloud 6116 may include one or more server computers or databases toaggregate data collected from the kinematic implantable device 6102, andin some cases personally descriptive information collected from apatient 100, with data collected from other kinematic implantabledevices (not illustrated), and in some cases personally descriptiveinformation collected from other patients. In this way, the cloud 6116can create a variety of different metrics regarding collected data fromeach of a plurality of kinematic implantable devices that are implantedinto separate patients. This information can be helpful in determiningif the kinematic implantable devices are functioning properly. Thecollected information may also be helpful for other purposes, such asdetermining which specific devices may not be functioning properly,determining if a procedure or condition associated with the kinematicimplantable device is helping the patient (e.g., if the knee replacementis operating properly and reducing the patient's pain), and determiningother medical information.

At various times throughout the monitoring process, the patient may berequested to visit a medical practitioner for follow up appointments.This medical practitioner may be the surgeon who implanted the kinematicimplantable device 6102 in the patient or a different medicalpractitioner that supervises the monitoring process, physical therapy,and recovery of the patient. For a variety of different reasons, themedical practitioner may want to collect real-time data from thekinematic implantable device 6102 in a controlled environment. In somecases the request to visit the medical practitioner may be deliveredthrough an optional bidirectional user interface of the home basestation 6108.

A medical practitioner utilizes the doctor office base station 6112,which communicates with the kinematic implantable device 6102, to passadditional data between the doctor office base station 6112 and thekinematic implantable device 6102. Alternatively, or in addition, themedical practitioner utilizes the doctor office base station 6112 topass commands to the kinematic implantable device 6102. In someembodiments, the doctor office base station 6112 instructs the kinematicimplantable device 6102 to enter a high-resolution mode to temporarilyincrease the rate or type of data that is collected for a short time.The high-resolution mode directs the kinematic implantable device 6102to collect different (e.g., large) amounts of data during an activitywhere the medical practitioner is also monitoring the patient.

In some embodiments, the doctor office base station 6112 enables themedical practitioner to input event or pain markers, which can besynchronized with the high-resolution data collected by the kinematicimplantable device 6102. For example, assume the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 is a component in a knee replacement. The medicalpractitioner can have the patient walk on a treadmill while thekinematic implantable device 6102 is in the high-resolution mode. As thepatient walks, the patient may complain about pain in their knee. Themedical practitioner can click a pain marker button on the doctor officebase station 6112 to indicate the patient's discomfort. The doctoroffice base station 6112 records the marker and the time at which themarker was input. When the timing of this marker is synchronized withthe timing of the collected high-resolution data, the medicalpractitioner can analyze the data to try and determine the cause of thepain.

In other embodiments, the doctor office base station 6112 may provideupdated configuration information to the kinematic implantable device6102. The kinematic implantable device 6102 can store this updatedconfiguration information, which can be used to adjust the parametersassociated with the collection of the kinematic data. For example, ifthe patient is doing well, the medical practitioner can direct areduction in the frequency at which the kinematic implantable device6102 collects data. On the contrary, if the patient is experiencing anunexpected amount of pain, the medical practitioner may direct thekinematic implantable device 6102 to collect additional data fordetermined period of time (e.g., a few days). The medical practitionermay use the additional data to diagnose and treat a particular problem.In some cases, the additional data may include personally descriptiveinformation provided by the patient 100 after the patient 100 has leftpresence of the medical practitioner and is no longer in range of thedoctor office base station 6112. In these cases, the personallydescriptive information may be collected and delivered from via the homebase station 6108. Firmware within the kinematic implantable deviceand/or the base station will provide safeguards limiting the duration ofsuch enhanced monitoring to insure the battery retains sufficient powerto last for the implant's lifecycle. Firmware within the kinematicimplantable device and/or the base station will provide safeguardslimiting the duration of such enhanced monitoring to insure the batteryretains sufficient power to last for the implant's lifecycle.

In various embodiments, the doctor office base station 6112 maycommunicate with a doctor office configuration computing device 6114.The doctor office configuration computing device 6114 includes anapplication with a graphical user interface that enables the medicalpractitioner to input commands and data. Some or all of the commands,data, or other information may be later transmitted to the kinematicimplantable device 6102 via the doctor office base station 6112. Forexample, in some embodiments, the medical practitioner can use thegraphical user interface to instruct the kinematic implantable device6102 to enter its high-resolution mode. In other embodiments, themedical practitioner can use graphical user interface to input or modifythe configuration information for the kinematic implantable device 6102.The doctor office configuration computing device 6114 transmits theinformation (e.g., commands, data, or other information) to the doctoroffice base station 6112 via a wired or wireless network connection(e.g., via a USB connection, Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi connection,etc.), which in turn transmits some or all of the information to thekinematic implantable device 6102.

The doctor office configuration computing device 6114 may also displayother information regarding the kinematic implantable device 6102,regarding the patient 100 (e.g., personally descriptive information), orthe doctor office base station 6112 to the medical practitioner. Forexample, the doctor office configuration computing device 6114 maydisplay the high-resolution data that is collected by the kinematicimplantable device 6102 and transmitted to the doctor office basestation 6112. The doctor office configuration computing device 6114 mayalso display error information if the kinematic implantable device 6102is unable to store or access the configuration information, if thekinematic implantable device 6102 is unresponsive, if the kinematicimplantable device 6102 identifies an issue with one of the sensors orradio, if the doctor office base station 6112 is unresponsive ormalfunctions, or for other reasons.

In some embodiments, doctor office configuration computing device 6114may have access to the cloud 6116. In at least one embodiment, themedical practitioner can utilize the doctor office configurationcomputing device 6114 to access data stored in the cloud 6116, which waspreviously collected by the kinematic implantable device 6102 andtransmitted to the cloud 6116 via the home base station 6108. Similarly,the doctor office configuration computing device 6114 can transmit thehigh-resolution data obtain from the kinematic implantable device 6102via the doctor office base station 6112 to the cloud 6116. In someembodiments, the doctor office base station 6112 may have internetaccess and may be enabled to transmit the high-resolution data directlyto the cloud 6116 without the use of the doctor office configurationcomputing device 6114.

In various embodiments, the medical practitioner may update theconfiguration information of the kinematic implantable device 6102 whenthe patient is not in the medical practitioner's office. In these cases,the medical practitioner can utilize the doctor office configurationcomputing device 6114 to transmit updated configuration information tothe kinematic implantable device 6102 via the cloud 6116. The home basestation 6108 can obtain updated configuration information from the cloud6116 and pass updated configuration information to the cloud. This canallow the medical practitioner to remotely adjust the operation of thekinematic implantable device 6102 without needing the patient to come tothe medical practitioner's office. This may also permit the medicalpractitioner to send messages to the patient 100 in response, forexample, to personally descriptive information that was provided by thepatient 100 and passed through the home base station 6108 to the doctoroffice base station 6112.

Although the doctor office base station 6112 and the doctor officeconfiguration computing device 6114 are illustrated as separate devices,embodiments are not so limited; rather, the functionality of the doctoroffice configuration computing device 6114 and the doctor office basestation 6112 may be included in a single computing device or in separatedevices (as illustrated). In this way, the medical practitioner may beenabled in one embodiment to input the configuration information ormarkers directly into the doctor office base station 6112 and view thehigh-resolution data (and synchronized marker information) from adisplay on the doctor office base station 6112.

FIG. 35 is an exemplary system diagram of a kinematic implantable devicein accordance with embodiments described herein. The kinematicimplantable device 6102 includes a microcontroller 204, a memory 210, abattery 218, a radio 216, a real-time clock 214, and an inertialmeasurement unit 212. Other logic (e.g., circuits, devices, structures,and the like) are not illustrated for simplicity.

The microcontroller 204 includes a processor 208 and on-chip memory 206.The on-chip memory 206 may store instructions that are executed by theprocessor 208 to perform the actions and functionality of the kinematicimplantable device 6102 as described herein. In some embodiments, theon-chip memory 206 stores the configuration information to define one ormore parameters associated with the collection of data by the inertialmeasurement unit 212.

In at least some embodiments described herein, radio 216 is a shortrange communication device configured to communicate with a base station(e.g., the operating room base station 6104, the home base station 6108,and the doctor office base station 6112 in FIG. 34 ). In variousembodiments, the radio 216 communicates information between thekinematic implantable device 6102 and one or more base stations usingthe medical implant communication service (MICS) standards, medicaldevice radio communications service (MedRadio), or other such protocols.In at least one embodiment, the radio 216 communicates with the one ormore base stations over the 402 MHz to 405 MHz MICS band.

The real-time clock 214 is configurable by the microcontroller 204, suchas through the configuration information stored in the on-chip memory206. The real-time clock 214 may provide one or more signals to wake upthe radio 216 or the microcontroller 204 at predetermined times. Forexample, the real-time clock 214 may wake up the radio 216 every otherday at 4 am to try to communicate with a base station.

In various embodiments, the battery 218 is a non-rechargeable batterythat provides power to the kinematic implantable device 6102. In atleast some embodiments, the battery 218 provides power to themicrocontroller 204 and other components of the kinematic implantabledevice 6102.

The memory 210 may be RAM, flash, or any other type of transitory ornon-transitory computer readable medium. The memory 210 stores datacollected from the IMU 212, configuration information and settings, logrecords, other kinematic implantable device data, software instructions,and other information.

The IMU 212 is a device that includes one or more sensors that detectand measure kinematic motion (e.g., linear and angular accelerationmotion) when the kinematic implantable device 6102 operates (e.g., dueto a movement in the body part associated with the kinematic implantabledevice 6102). In some embodiments, the IMU 212 includes anaccelerometer, a gyroscope, a pedometer, or other kinematic sensors.

The operation of certain aspects of the disclosure will now be describedwith respect to FIGS. 36-38 . In at least one of various embodiments,processes 6300, 6400, and 6500 described in conjunction with FIGS. 36-38, respectively, may be implemented by or executed on a kinematicimplantable device, such as kinematic implantable device 6102 in FIGS.34-35 .

FIG. 36 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for configuring the kinematic implantable device6102 from an operating room base station 6104. Process 6300 begins at astart block.

At block 6302, the kinematic implantable device 6102 connects with anoperating room base station (e.g., operating room base station 6104 inFIG. 34 ). In some embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102may receive a wake-up command from the operating room base station 6104.The wake-up command may include identification information of theoperating room base station 6104 so that the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 can establish a connection with the operating room basestation 6104.

Process 6300 proceeds to block 6304, where the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 performs a self-test. This self-test may check thecommunication between the processor 6208 and the IMU 6212, calibrationof the IMU 6212, communication with the real-time clock 6214, integrityof the memory 6206 and battery 6218, and other initialization checks orsetup. In at least one embodiment, the kinematic implantable device 6102may provide the results of the self-test back to the operating room basestation 6104. The results may indicate that the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 is functioning properly or it may indicate if there was aproblem with any of the components of the kinematic implantable device6102.

Process 6300 continues at block 6306, where the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 receives configuration information from the operating roombase station 6104. The configuration information may be identificationinformation, information that defines one or more parameters associatedwith the collection of kinematic data, or some other information.Examples of configuration information include, but are not limited to, atime, date, day, identification of the body part in which the kinematicimplantable device is associated, identification of associated implanteddevices, medical practitioner information, patient identification (e.g.,encoded or otherwise obfuscated information), operating roominformation, an initial mode of operation of the kinematic implantabledevice 6102, settings for one or more sensors on the kinematicimplantable device for one or more different modes of operation,specification of a particular movement that triggers a change in themode of operation, radio settings, data collection information, homebase station identification information, and the like.

Subsequent to receiving the configuration information, process 6300proceeds to block 6308, where the configuration information is stored inthe memory 206 of the kinematic implantable device 6102. Storage of theconfiguration information may provide the initial parameters that definehow often the kinematic implantable device 6102 will wake up and collectdata.

If the storage of the configuration information is successful, process6300 provides a confirmation of the successful configuration of thekinematic implantable device 6102 to the operating room base station6104. If unsuccessful, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may providean error message to the operating room base station 6104 or it willprovide no response, which would be interpreted by the operating roombase station 6104 as a failure to properly configure the kinematicimplantable device.

After block 6310, process 6300 terminates or returns to a callingprocess to perform other actions.

FIG. 37 is a logical flow diagram 6400 generally showing one embodimentof a kinematic data collection, storage, and data communication process6400 for collecting and storing kinematic data and communicating it fromthe kinematic implantable device 6102 to a home base station 6104.Process 6400 begins at a start block. At block 6402, the kinematicimplantable device 6102 registers with a home base station (e.g., homebase station 6108 in FIG. 34 ). In various embodiments, the kinematicimplantable device 6102 may register with the home base station 6108 byresponding to a ping by the home base station 6108 with an identifier ofthe kinematic implantable device 6102. In other embodiments, the homebase station 6108 may receive the kinematic implantable deviceidentifier from another computing device, such as from the cloud 6116,or it may be manually input by the medical practitioner of the patient.

Process 6400 proceeds to block 6404, where the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 collects kinematic data, operational data, and other data.As described herein, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may operatein various different modes to collect different amounts or types of dataat different rates or at different times based on the mode the kinematicimplantable device is currently operating in. For example, the kinematicimplantable device 6102 may wake up and collected pedometer data,movement data, or other data once every minute to determine if thepatient is performing a predetermined activity, such as walking. If thekinematic implantable device 6102 determines that the patient is walkingor otherwise performing the predetermined activity, it can collectadditional data (e.g., linear and rotational acceleration) for adetermined time period (e.g., 30 seconds). Once this predetermined timeperiod expires, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may stopcollecting data and transition to a different mode, such as a lower datacollection mode.

As data is being collected at block 6404, process 6400 stores the dataat block 6406. In various embodiments, the kinematic implantable devicemay store the collected data in a buffer in memory 6206 for latercommunication to the home base station 6108. In some embodiments, thebuffer may be a FIFO buffer such that the kinematic implantable device6102 will continue to collect data even after the buffer is full. But inother embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may stopcollecting data once the buffer is full. The kinematic implantabledevice 6102 can collect a maximum amount of data that is proportional tothe size of the buffer and then transition into a non-data or low-datacollection mode. In this way, the kinematic implantable device 6102 canconserve power by not superfluously collecting and storing data that isoverwriting other previously stored data.

In some embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may store aprotected/unprotected table, such that data labeled as protected willnot be overwritten. In various embodiments, some types of collecteddata, such as collected while the kinematic implantable device 6102 isin a specific mode of operation, may be labeled as protected, whileother collected data may be labeled as unprotected.

The kinematic implantable device 6102 may continue to collect and storekinematic or other data based on its current mode of operation. Thecurrent mode of operation may periodically change based on time of day,amount of data collected, determination of a particular activity, or thelike. The change in the mode of operation may result in the collectionand storage or more or less data.

Process 6400 proceeds to decision block 6408, where a determination ismade whether the kinematic implantable device 6102 has received a pingfrom the home base station 6108. In various embodiments, the home basestation 6108 may ping the kinematic implantable device to determine ifthe kinematic implantable device 6102 is within communication range ofthe home base station 6108. In some embodiments, the home base station6108 may ping the kinematic implantable device 6102 in the middle of thenight (e.g., 2:00 am). In this way, if the home base station 6108 ispositioned in the patient's bedroom as the patient sleeps, there is ahigher likelihood that in the middle of the night the kinematicimplantable device 6102 will be within range of the home base station6108. If the kinematic implantable device 6102 is within range of thehome base station 6108, then it will receive the ping and process 6400proceeds to block 6410; otherwise, process 6400 loops to block 6404 tocontinue to collect and store data in accordance with configurationinformation and modes of operation.

At block 6410, the kinematic implantable device 6102 responds to theping by providing a confirmation message back to the home base station6108. The home base station 6108 can utilize this response message as anindication that the kinematic implantable device 6102 is withincommunication range of the home base station 6108.

In response to receiving the response message, the home base station6108 may provide data or commands to the kinematic implantable device6102, which are received by the kinematic implantable device 6102 atblock 6412. The data, commands, or other information that is receivedmay include updated configuration information (e.g., a change in themode of operation, a change in the timing or rate at which kinematicdata is collected, the type of kinematic data that is collected), arequest to transmit kinematic or other data stored by the kinematicimplantable device 6102 to the home base station 6108, a request toperform a self-test or some other procedure.

Process 6400 proceeds next to decision block 6414, where a determinationis made whether the received data or commands includes a request forstored collected data. This command indicates that the home base station6108 is ready to receive stored data from the kinematic implantabledevice 6102. If the command is a request for data, then process 6400flows to block 6416; otherwise, process 6400 flows to decision block6420.

At block 6416, the kinematic implantable device 6102 communicates thestored data to the home base station 6108. The data that is transmittedmay include, but is not limited to, log data, the collected and storedIMU data (e.g., step count, accelerometer data, gyroscope data, etc.),self-test results (if performed), battery voltage, and other data.

Process 6400 continues at block 6418, where the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 purges some or all of the stored collected data. In variousembodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may wait until itreceives a message from the home base station 6108 confirming that homebase station 6108 successfully received data before purging the storedcollected data from memory 6206. In other embodiments, the kinematicimplantable device 6102 may purge data as it is being transferred to thehome base station 6108 without waiting for a response from the home basestation 6108.

In various embodiments, purging the data may include deleting the datafrom the memory 6206 of the kinematic implantable device 6102. However,this process may consume too much power. So, in other embodiments, thekinematic implantable device 6102 may store a table identifying whichdata has been transferred to the home base station 6108 and which datahas not. In at least one such embodiment, the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 may use the protected/unprotected table used when storingthe data at block 6406. Once the protected or unprotected data istransferred to the home base station 6108, it can be labeled asunprotected and be overwritten at block 6406.

After block 6418, process 6400 loops to block 6404 to continue tocollect and store data.

If, at decision block 6414, the received data or commands are not arequest for the transfer of the collected data, then process 6400 flowsfrom decision block 6414 to decision block 6420. At decision block 6420,a determination is made whether the received data or commands includesupdated configuration information. If the data includes updatedconfiguration data, then process 6400 flows to block 6422 to store theupdated configuration information similar to block 6308 in FIG. 36 ;otherwise, process 6400 flows to block 6424 to perform other commandsreceived from the home base station 6108. Examples, of the othercommands may include a request for the kinematic implantable device 6102to perform a self-test, reboot, or perform some other actions. Afterblocks 6422 and 6424, process 6400 loops to block 6404 to continue tocollect and store additional data, such as kinematic data.

Process 6400 may continue to loop until the battery of the kinematicimplantable device 6102 fails or until the kinematic implantable device6102 is put into a non-collection mode of operation, such as when thepatient is no longer being monitored. In various embodiments, thekinematic implantable device 6102 may be put into a non-collection modeof operation based on an update to the configuration information or anelapse of a predetermined lifetime of the kinematic implantable device6102.

FIG. 38 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for temporarily increasing an amount of data collected by thekinematic implantable device 6102 and transferring the data to a doctoroffice base station 112. Process 6500 begins at a start block. At block6502, the kinematic implantable device 6102 connects with a doctoroffice base station (e.g., doctor office base station 6112 in FIG. 34 ).In various embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 mayconnect with the doctor office base station 6112 by responding to aconnection request provided by the doctor office base station 6112.

Process 6500 proceeds next to block 6504 where the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 receives data, commands, or other information from thedoctor office base station 6112. The data, commands, or otherinformation may include updated configuration information (e.g., achange in the mode of operation, a change in the timing or rate at whichdata, such as kinematic data, is collected, the type of data that iscollected), a request to enter a high-resolution mode, a request toperform a self-test, or some other procedure.

Process 6500 proceeds next to decision block 6506, where a determinationis made whether the received data, commands, or other informationincludes a request to put the kinematic implantable device 6102 into ahigh-resolution mode. In some embodiments, the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 receives a command from the doctor office base station 6112to put the kinematic implantable device 6102 into the high-resolutionmode. In other embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102receives updated configuration information, which when stored by thekinematic implantable device 6102 puts the kinematic implantable device6102 into the high-resolution mode. If a request to put the kinematicimplantable device 6102 into the high-resolution mode is received, thenprocess 6500 flows to block 6508; otherwise, process 6500 flows todecision block 6518.

At block 6508, the kinematic implantable device 6102 collects data, suchas kinematic data, in a high-resolution mode. As described herein, thehigh-resolution mode may be a mode of operation where the kinematicimplantable device 6102 collects a large amount of data for apredetermined period of time while the medical practitioner is observingthe patient perform a given movement or activity.

For example, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may collect linearand rotational acceleration data from the accelerometer and thegyroscope every second for a predetermine time period (e.g., 360seconds). Once this predetermined time period expires, the kinematicimplantable device 6102 may stop collecting data and transition to adifferent lower data collection mode.

As the high-resolution kinematic data is being collected at block 6508,process 6500 stores the high-resolution data at block 6510. In variousembodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 may store thecollected data in memory for later communication to the doctor officebase station 6112. In some embodiments, the high-resolution data may bemarked as protected so that it will not be overwritten until it iscommunicated to the doctor office base station 6112.

Process 6500 proceeds next to decision block 6512, where a determinationis made whether to exit the high-resolution mode. In some embodiments,the medical practitioner can activate a button on the doctor office basestation 6112 (or on the doctor office configuration computing device6114) to exit the high-resolution mode. Upon activation of the button,the doctor office base station 6112 sends a command to the kinematicimplantable device 6102 to halt the high-resolution mode. In someembodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102 receives a commandfrom the doctor office base station 6112 to exit the high-resolutionmode. In other embodiments, the kinematic implantable device 6102receives updated configuration information, which when stored by thekinematic implantable device 6102 puts the kinematic implantable deviceinto another, non-high-resolution mode. In yet other embodiments, thehigh-resolution mode may time out, at which point the kinematicimplantable device 6102 transitions to a non-high-resolution mode. Ifthe high-resolution mode exits, then process 6500 flows to block 6514;otherwise, process 6500 loops to block 6508 to continue to collect andstore data in the high-resolution mode until the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 exits the high-resolution mode.

At block 6514, the kinematic implantable device 6102 receives a requestfor the stored collected high-resolution data. This command indicatesthat the doctor office base station 6112 is ready to receive thehigh-resolution data from the kinematic implantable device 6102.

Process 6500 continues at block 6516, where the kinematic implantabledevice 6102 transmits the stored high-resolution data to the doctoroffice base station 6112. In various embodiments, block 6516 employsembodiments similar to those described in association with block 6416 inFIG. 37 . At 6416, the stored high-resolution data is communicated tothe doctor office base station 6112 rather than the home base station6108. In various embodiments, block 6516 may also employ embodimentssimilar to those described in block 6418 in FIG. 37 to purge thehigh-resolution data from the kinematic implantable device 6102 memory6206 after the data is transferred to the doctor office base station6112. After block 6516, process 6500 terminates or returns to a callingprocess to perform other actions.

If, at decision block 6506, the received request from the doctor officebase station 6112 is not a request for the kinematic implantable device6102 to enter the high-resolution mode, then process 6500 flows fromdecision block 6502 to decision block 6518. At decision block 6518, adetermination is made whether the data received from the doctor officebase station 6112 includes updated configuration information. If thedata includes updated configuration information, then process 6500 flowsto block 6520 to store the updated configuration information similar toblock 6308 in FIG. 36 ; otherwise, process 6500 flows to block 6522 toperform other commands received from the doctor office base station6112. In various embodiments, block 6522 may employ embodiments similarto those described in conjunction with block 6424 in FIG. 37 . Afterblocks 6520 and 6522, process 6500 terminates or returns to anotherprocess to perform other actions.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary system diagram of a base station. The basestation 6622 is an embodiment of the operating room base station 6604,the home base station 6608, and the doctor office base station 6612illustrated in FIG. 34 . Although the operating room base station 6604,the home base station 6608, and the doctor office base station 6612provide different functionality, the components of each type of basestation may be similar to one another and include some or all of thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 39 .

In some embodiments, a separate base station 6622 may be configured toprovide the functionality of each separate type of base station(operating room base station, home base station, and doctor office basestation). For example, the operating room base station may be designedwith a cleanable outer shell to meet cleanliness and sanitizationstandards of an operating room, and also be enabled to connect to andcommunicate with an operating room configuration computer. Similarly,the doctor office base station may be arranged with a cleanable outershell, but to a lesser degree than the sanitization requirements of theoperating room, and also be enabled to connect to and communicate with adoctor office configuration computer. In contrast, the home base stationmay be more portable, discrete, and stylish to blend into the patient'shome and lifestyle. Although the appearance and functionality of eachtype of base station may be slightly different, the overall componentsof each base station are the same or similar to what is illustrated inFIG. 39 .

In other embodiments, the base station 6622 may be configured to providethe functionality of multiple types of base stations. For example, inone embodiment, the functionality of the operating room base station andthe doctor office base station may be provided in a single device. Sincethe operating room base station and the doctor office base station mayinclude an outer shell that can be cleaned, manufacturing a singledevice with the functionality of both base stations may be more costeffective than manufacturing separate devices. In at least one suchembodiment, the operating room configuration computer or the doctoroffice configuration computer can send a message to the base station6622 to indicate which mode the base station 6622 is to be executing (asthe operating room base station or the doctor office base station).

In another example embodiment, the base station 6622 is configured withthe functionality of the operating room base station, the doctor officebase station, and the home base station provided in a single device. Inat least one such embodiment, the medical practitioner can set which ofa plurality of modes the base station 6622 is to be executing—where eachseparate mode includes the functionality of the separate types of basestations (operating room base station, home base station, and doctoroffice base station). In various embodiments, the components of the basestation 6622 may perform the functionality of each separate type of basestation, but installed into a different shell to meet cleanliness andsanitization requirements of the operating room or medical practitioneroffice.

As illustrated, the base station 6622 includes a microcontroller 6624, amemory 6630, a power supply 6638, a radio module 6636, a Wi-Fi module6634, a USB port 6632, and an interface 6640. Other logic (e.g.,circuits, devices, structures, and the like) are not illustrated forsimplicity.

The microcontroller 6624 includes a processor 6628 and an on-chip memory6626. The on-chip memory 6626 stores instructions that are executed bythe processor 6628 to perform the actions and functionality of the basestation 6622 as described herein. In some embodiments, the on-chipmemory 6626 may store the different base station modes in which the basestation 6622 can operate.

In at least some embodiments described herein, radio module 6636 is ashort range communication device configured to communicate with akinematic implantable device, such as kinematic implantable device 6602in FIG. 34 . In various embodiments, the radio module 6636 communicatesinformation between the kinematic implantable device and the basestation 6622 using the medical implant communication service (MICS)standards, medical device radio communications service (MedRadio) orother such protocols. In at least one embodiment, the radio module 6636communicates with the kinematic implantable device over the 402 MHz to405 MHz MICS band.

The Wi-Fi module 6634 is a communication device configured to implementa Wi-Fi radio to wirelessly communicate with other computing devices.For example, the Wi-Fi module 6634 can be utilized by the base station6622 to communicate with the operating room configuration computer 6606,the doctor office configuration computer 6614, the home network 6610, orthe cloud 6616 illustrated in FIG. 34 . In various embodiments, theWi-Fi module 6634 includes support of TCP/IP (Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol) and TLS (Transport Layer security) protocolsto provide secure communications and secure data transfers between thebase station 6622 and the other computing devices.

The power supply 6638 provides power to the base station 6622. The powersupply 6638 may include an interface to receive power from an externalsource, such as via a power cord. In some embodiments, the power supply6638 may include a battery to provide power in the event that theexternal power becomes disconnected.

In various embodiments, the USB port 6632 is configured to transmitcommunications between the base station 6622 and the operating roomconfiguration computer or the doctor office configuration computer. Insome embodiments, the base station 6622 may be powered through the USBport 6632.

The memory 6630 may be RAM, flash, or any other type of transitory ornon-transitory computer readable medium. The memory 6630 stores datareceived from a kinematic implantable device, configuration informationfor the kinematic implantable device, log records, other base stationdata, software instructions, and other information.

The interface 6640 is configured to receive input from or displayinformation to a user (e.g., the surgeon or another medicalpractitioner). As illustrated, the interface 6640 includes LEDs 6642 andbuttons 6644. The LEDs 6642 can display a status of the base station6622 (e.g., power on or off, connected to a kinematic implantabledevice, if the kinematic implantable device is operating in a highresolution mode, acknowledgement of an input of a pain or event marker,and the like). The buttons 6644 can provide interface controls to theuser to select base station actions (e.g., power on or off, activatekinematic implantable device high resolution mode, input of a pain orevent marker, and the like). Although interface 6640 is illustrated withLEDs and buttons, embodiments are not so limited. For example, in someembodiments where the base station 6622 is operating as an operatingroom base station, the interface 6640 may include a touch screen thatcan be used by the surgeon to configure the kinematic implantable devicein the operating room, which may provide functionality similar to thatof the operating room configuration computer. In other embodiments wherethe base station 6622 is operating as a doctor office base station, theinterface 6640 may include a touch screen that can be used by themedical practitioner to modify configuration information of thekinematic implantable device or to view kinematic data received from thekinematic implantable device, which may provide functionality similar tothat of the doctor office configuration computer.

The operation of certain aspects of the disclosure will now be describedwith respect to FIGS. 40 to 42 . In at least one of various embodiments,processes 6650, 6670, and 6700 described in conjunction with FIGS. 40 to42 , respectively, may be implemented by or executed on a base station,such as base station 6622 in FIG. 39 . In some embodiments, process 6650may be implemented by or executed on the operating room base station6604 in FIG. 34 , process 6670 may be implemented by or executed on thehome base station 6608 in FIG. 34 , and process 6700 may be implementedby or executed on the doctor office base station 6612 in FIG. 34 .

FIG. 40 illustrates a logical flow diagram generally showing oneembodiment of a process for configuring a kinematic implantable devicefrom an operating room base station. Process 6650 begins at a startblock.

At block 6652, the operating room base station receives a request toconnect to a kinematic implantable device (e.g., kinematic implantabledevice 6602 in FIG. 34 ). In some embodiments, a surgeon or anothermedical practitioner in the operating room may initiate the connectionrequest by pushing a connection or configuration button on the operatingroom base station. In other embodiments, the operating room base stationmay receive the connection request from an operating room configurationcomputer (e.g., operating room configuration computer 6606 in FIG. 34 ).

Process 6650 proceeds to block 6654, where the operating room basestation connects with the kinematic implantable device. In variousembodiments, the operating room base station may provide a wake-upcommand to the kinematic implantable device. The wake-up command mayinclude identification information of the operating room base station sothat the kinematic implantable device can establish a connection withthe operating room base station. In some embodiments, the operating roombase station and the kinematic implantable device may establish adedicated connection between the devices. In other embodiments, thedevices may be connected through a broadcast scheme without a dedicatednetwork connection.

In various embodiments, the operating room base station may connect tothe kinematic implantable device prior to the medical practitioner(e.g., surgeon) implanting the kinematic implantable device into thepatient. In this way, the operating room base station or the kinematicimplantable device can detect a problem with the kinematic implantabledevice before it is implanted into the patient. In some embodiments,once the kinematic implantable device wakes up, it can perform aself-test to determine if it is functioning properly. And if so, theoperating room base station may receive a confirmation message from thekinematic implantable device indicating that it is functioning properly.

Process 6650 continues at block 6656, where the operating room basestation receives configuration information for the kinematic implantabledevice. In some embodiments, some or all of the configurationinformation may be received from the operating room configurationcomputer. In other embodiments, some or all of the configurationinformation may be predetermined and stored in the memory of theoperating room base station. In yet other embodiments, the operatingroom base station may receive the configuration from the medicalpractitioner (e.g., surgeon) through a user interface on the operatingroom base station (or the operating room configuration computer). Theconfiguration information may be identification information orinformation that defines one or more parameters associated with thecollection of kinematic data by the kinematic implantable device, orsome other information. Examples of configuration information include,but are not limited to, a time, day, identification of the body part inwhich the kinematic implantable device is associated, identification ofassociated implanted devices, medical practitioner information, patientidentification (e.g., encoded or otherwise obfuscated information),operating room information, an initial mode of operation of thekinematic implantable device, settings for one or more sensors on thekinematic implantable device for one or more different modes ofoperation, specification of a particular movement that triggers a changein the mode of operation, radio settings, data collection information,home base station identification information, and the like.

Process 6650 proceeds next to block 6658, where the operating room basestation provides the configuration information to the kinematicimplantable device for the kinematic implantable device to store theconfiguration information and begin operation. In some embodiments, someor all of the configuration information may be provided to the kinematicimplantable device prior to or after the implantation of the device intothe patient.

Process 6650 continues next at block 6660, where the operating room basestation receives a confirmation of a successful configuration of thekinematic implantable device. If unsuccessful, the operating room basestation may receive an error message from the kinematic implantabledevice or it may not receive any response, which would be interpreted bythe operating room base station as a failure to properly configure thekinematic implantable device.

After block 6660, process 6650 terminates or returns to a callingprocess to perform other actions.

FIG. 41 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for receiving kinematic data at a home base station from akinematic implantable device that collected the kinematic data. Process6670 begins at a start block.

At block 6672, the home base station (e.g., home base station 6608 inFIG. 34 ) registers a kinematic implantable device. In some embodiments,the home base station periodically transmits a message requesting that akinematic implantable device respond with registration information. Ifthe kinematic implantable device is within communication range of thehome base station, then the home base station can receive a responsemessage from the kinematic implantable device. In some embodiments, theresponse may include identifier of the kinematic implantable device thatsent the response. In other embodiments, the home base station mayreceive the kinematic implantable device identifier from anothercomputing device, such as from the cloud (e.g., cloud 6616 in FIG. 34 ),or it may be manually input by the medical practitioner of the patient.

Process 6670 proceeds to block 6674, where the home base station queriesthe cloud for data or commands that the home base station can forward tothe kinematic implantable device. The data, commands, or otherinformation that is received may include updated configurationinformation (e.g., a change in the mode of operation, a change in thetiming or rate at which kinematic data is collected, the type ofkinematic data that is collected, and the like), a request to transmitkinematic data stored by the kinematic implantable device to the homebase station, a request to perform a self-test or other diagnosticprocedure, and the like.

Process 6670 continues at decision block 6676, where a determination ismade whether the home base station is permitted to ping the kinematicimplantable device to see if the kinematic implantable device is withincommunication range. In various embodiments, this determination is basedon a communication window that defines when the home base station ispermitted to attempt to contact the kinematic implantable device. Forexample, the communication window may be scheduled in the middle of thenight. In this way, if the home base station is positioned in thepatient's bedroom as the patient sleeps, then there is a higherlikelihood in the middle of the night that the kinematic implantabledevice will be within range of the home base station and respond to theping. If the home base station is within the communication window, thenprocess 6670 flows to block 6678; otherwise, process 6670 loops todecision block 6676 to wait until it is within the communication window.

At block 6678, the home base station transmits a ping or other messagerequesting a response from any kinematic implantable device thatreceives the ping. In various embodiments, this message may be the sameor similar to the message sent in block 6672 to attempt to register thekinematic implantable device.

Process 6670 continues at decision block 6680, where a determination ismade whether the home base station receives a response to the ping. Ifthe kinematic implantable device is within communication range of thehome base station, then it sends a response to the home base station. Ifthe home base station receives a response from the kinematic implantabledevice, then process 6670 proceeds to decision block 6682; otherwise,process 6670 loops to decision block 6676 to continue to ping thekinematic implantable device while within the communication window.

At decision block 6682, a determination is made whether the receiveddata or commands at block 6674 include a request for kinematic data thatwas collected and stored by the kinematic implantable device. If thecommand is a request for data, then process 6670 flows to block 6684;otherwise, process 6670 flows to decision block 6690.

At block 6684, the home base station provides a data request to thekinematic implantable device. This request indicates that the home basestation is ready to receive stored data from the kinematic implantabledevice. In some embodiments, this request is a message instructing thekinematic implantable device to begin communicating some or all the datathat it collected and stored.

Process 6670 continues at block 6686, where the home base stationreceives the stored data from the kinematic implantable device. The datathat is communicated may include, but is not limited to, log data, thecollected and stored kinematic data (e.g., step count, accelerometerdata, gyroscope data, and the like), self-test results (if performed),battery voltage, and the like.

In some embodiments, if the transfer of data was successful, home basestation may send an acknowledgment message to the kinematic implantabledevice indicating the successful transfer. This message allows thekinematic implantable device to purge the stored data once it issuccessfully transferred. However, if the transfer was unsuccessful, thehome base station may send a message to the kinematic implantable devicerequesting the kinematic implantable device to retransmit the data.Since retransmission of data from the kinematic implantable device tothe home base station would use up additional power, the kinematicimplantable device may, in some embodiments, discard the data and notretransmit it to the home base station, regardless of whether thetransmission was successful or not.

Process 6670 proceeds to block 6688, where the home base stationprovides the data to the cloud (e.g., cloud 6616 in FIG. 34 ). Invarious embodiments, the data is stored in a database for aggregationwith other kinematic data that was previously collected from thekinematic implantable device or from other kinematic implantabledevices.

After block 6688, or if, at decision block 6684, the received data orcommands are not a request for the transfer of the collected data, thenprocess 6670 flows to decision block 6690. At decision block 6690, adetermination is made whether the received data or commands includesupdated configuration information. If the data includes updatedconfiguration data, then process 6670 flows to block 6692 to provide theupdated configuration information to the kinematic implantable devicesimilar to block 6658 in FIG. 41 ; otherwise, process 6670 flows toblock 6694 to provide other commands to the kinematic implantabledevice. Examples, of the other commands may include a request for thekinematic implantable device to perform a self-test, reboot, and thelike.

After blocks 6692 and 6694, process 6670 loops to block 6674 to continueto query the cloud for additional data or commands and continue tocollect data from the kinematic implantable device if the kinematicimplantable device is within communication range of the home basestation during the communication window.

Process 6670 may continue to loop until the home base station is powereddown, until the kinematic implantable device fails, or until thekinematic implantable device is put into a non-collection mode ofoperation, such as when the patient is no longer being monitored. Invarious embodiments, the kinematic implantable device may be put into anon-collection mode of operation based on an update to the configurationinformation or an elapse of a predetermined lifetime of the kinematicimplantable device. In at least one embodiment, the kinematicimplantable device may send a notification to the home base stationindicating that it will no longer be collecting data and the home basestation can stop pinging the kinematic implantable device.

Although FIG. 41 is described as the home base station communicatingwith a single kinematic implantable device, embodiments are not solimited. Since a patient (or multiple patients in a single home) mayhave multiple kinematic implantable devices implanted in their body—forthe same or different monitoring purposes—the home base station cancommunicate with each of the kinematic implantable devices when suchdevices are within communication range of the home base station.

In some embodiments, the home base station may communicatesimultaneously with each of the plurality of kinematic implantabledevices. In other embodiments, the home base station communicates withone kinematic implantable device at a given point in time until thatcommunication session has ended. For example if the home base stationreceives a ping response from kinematic_implantable_device_1, then thehome base station communicates with that device until the kinematic datais successfully transmitted from that device to the home base station,until the updated configuration information is provided to thekinematic_implantable_device_1, until the kinematic_implantable_device_1executes the other provided commands, or the home base station has notreceived a communication from the kinematic_implantable_device_1 for apredetermined amount of time. Once the home base station is finishedcommunicating with the kinematic_implantable_device_1, then it maytransmit another ping to determine if there is another kinematicimplantable device within communication range of the home base station.At that point, the home base station may receive a ping response fromkinematic_implantable_device_2, and may begin communicating with thisother device. One of the purposes of communicating with a singlekinematic implantable device at a time is to reduce the possibility ofmissed transmissions and resent communications, since everyretransmission uses additional battery power of the kinematicimplantable devices.

FIG. 42 is a logical flow diagram generally showing one embodiment of aprocess for receiving, at a doctor office base station and from akinematic implantable device, kinematic data that was collected by thekinematic implantable device. Process 6700 begins at a start block.

At block 6702, the doctor office base station (e.g., doctor office basestation 6612 in FIG. 34 ) connects with a kinematic implantable deviceassociated with a patient. In various embodiments, the doctor officebase station may send a connection request to the kinematic implantabledevice, similar to what is described in conjunction with block 6654 inFIG. 41 . A connection between the doctor office base station and thekinematic implantable device may be established in response to thedoctor office base station receiving a response from the kinematicimplantable device.

Process 6700 proceeds next to block 6704, where the doctor office basestation receives data, commands, or other information from the medicalpractitioner. In some embodiments, the medical practitioner may utilizea doctor office computing device (e.g., doctor office configurationcomputing device 6614 in FIG. 34 ) to input the information. In otherembodiments, the medical practitioner may provide the informationdirectly to the doctor office base station, such as through a userinterface on the doctor office base station. The data, commands, orother information may include updated configuration information (e.g., achange in the mode of operation, a change in the timing or rate at whichkinematic data is collected, the type of data that is collected, and thelike.), a request to enter a high-resolution mode, a request to performa self-test, or some other procedure.

Process 6700 proceeds next to decision block 6706, where a determinationis made whether the received data, commands, or other informationincludes a request to put the kinematic implantable device into ahigh-resolution mode. If a request to put the kinematic implantabledevice into the high-resolution mode is received, then process 6700flows to block 6708; otherwise, process 6700 flows to decision block6722.

At block 6708, the doctor office base station communicates the highresolution mode request to the kinematic implantable device. In responseto receiving the request, the kinematic implantable device begins tocollect data, such as kinematic data, in a high-resolution mode. Asdescribed herein, the high-resolution mode may be a mode of operationwhere the kinematic implantable device collects a large amount of datafor a predetermined period of time while the medical practitioner isobserving the patient perform a given movement or activity.

Process 6700 proceeds to block 6710 while the kinematic implantabledevice is in the high-resolution mode. At block 6710, the doctor officebase station receives event or pain markers from the medicalpractitioner. In some embodiments, the medical practitioner can inputevent or pain markers through a user interface on the doctor office basestation (or through an interface on the doctor office configurationcomputing device). The medical practitioner can use these markers toindicate the patient's discomfort in performing the given movement oractivity while the high-resolution mode is active.

Process 6700 continues at block 6712, where a time is recorded for thereceived marker. In various embodiments, the doctor office base stationstores a time stamp associated with the medical practitioner's input ofthe event or pain marker. These time stamps can be synchronized with thehigh-resolution data collected by the kinematic implantable device.

Process 6700 proceeds next to decision block 6714, where a determinationis made whether to exit the high-resolution mode. In some embodiments,the medical practitioner can activate a button on the doctor office basestation (or on the doctor office configuration computing device) to exitthe high-resolution mode. Upon activation of the button, the doctoroffice base station sends a command to the kinematic implantable deviceto halt the high-resolution mode. In other embodiments, the kinematicimplantable device may itself terminate the high-resolution mode if itreaches a maximum determined time or amount of collected data for thathigh-resolution mode session. If the high-resolution mode exits, thenprocess 6700 flows to block 6716; otherwise, process 6700 loops to block6710 to continue to wait for and receive event or pain markers from themedical practitioner.

At block 6716, the doctor office base station provides a request to thekinematic implantable device for the stored collected high-resolutiondata. This command indicates that the doctor office base station isready to receive the high-resolution data from the kinematic implantabledevice.

Process 6700 continues at block 6718, where the doctor office basestation receives the stored high-resolution data from the kinematicimplantable device. In various embodiments, block 6718 employsembodiments similar to those described in block 6686 in FIG. 41 , butthe data is received at the doctor office base station rather than thehome base station.

Process 6700 proceeds to block 6720, where the doctor office basestation provides the data to another computing device. In someembodiments, the doctor office base station provides the receivedhigh-resolution data to the cloud (e.g., cloud 6616 in FIG. 34 ). Invarious embodiments, block 6720 may employ embodiments similar to thosedescribed in block 6688 in FIG. 41 to provide the data to the cloud.

In other embodiments, the doctor office base station may provide thehigh-resolution data to the doctor office configuration computing devicefor display to the medical practitioner. In at least one embodiment, thedoctor office base station (or the doctor office configuration computingdevice) may synchronize the event or pain markers with the received dataprior to displaying the data to the medical practitioner. In this way,the medical practitioner can observe the data collected by the kinematicimplantable device at the same time that the marker was input. In someother embodiments, the doctor office base station may display thereceived data to the medical practitioner without the use of the doctoroffice configuration computing device.

After block 6720, process 6700 terminates or returns to a callingprocess to perform other actions.

If, at decision block 6706, the received information is not a requestfor the kinematic implantable device to enter the high-resolution mode,then process 6700 flows from decision block 6706 to decision block 6722.At decision block 6722, a determination is made whether the receivedinformation includes updated configuration information. If theinformation includes updated configuration information, then process6700 flows to block 6724 to provide the updated configurationinformation to the kinematic implantable device similar to block 6692 inFIG. 41 ; otherwise, process 6700 flows to block 6726 to provide othercommands to the kinematic implantable device. In various embodiments,block 6724 may employ embodiments similar to those described inconjunction with block 6694 in FIG. 41 . After blocks 6724 and 6726,process 6700 terminates or returns to another process to perform otheractions.

Although FIG. 42 describes the doctor office base station as connectingto a single kinematic implantable device, embodiments are not solimited. In various other embodiments, process 6700 may be employed by adoctor office base station to concurrently connect to and receive datafrom a plurality of separate or different kinematic implantable devices.In this way, a single doctor office base station can communicate with aplurality of different kinematic implantable devices, similar to how thehome base station can communicate with a plurality of kinematicimplantable devices. The plurality of kinematic implantable devices canbe associated with a single patient or a plurality of patients.

For example, the doctor office base station may be used in a physicaltherapy office. At any point during normal business hours, there may bemultiple patients in the physical therapy office being seen by one ormore medical practitioners. Each medical practitioner can utilize thedoctor office base station to put each separate kinematic implantabledevice into its own high-resolution mode. In this way, each medicalpractitioner can monitor their respective patients as they perform somemovement (e.g., stretching, walking on a treadmill, or receiving othertypes of physical therapy) associated their respectively associatedkinematic implantable device.

In some embodiments, each medical practitioner can utilize a separatedoctor office configuration computing device to communicate with one ormore respective kinematic implantable devices via the doctor office basestation. For example, each of a plurality of doctor office configurationcomputing devices can establish a Wi-Fi connection (or other wired orwireless connection) with a doctor office base station. The doctoroffice base station can forward data, commands, or other information(e.g., requests to enter a high-resolution mode or updated configurationinformation) from the doctor office configuration computing device to arespective kinematic implantable device. Similarly, the doctor officebase station can receive data (e.g., high-resolution data) from theplurality of kinematic implantable devices of patients in the physicaltherapy office and forward it to each respective medical practitioner'sdoctor office configuration computing device.

FIG. 43 is an exemplary distributed computing system for alertimplantable medical devices 6800. A network of computing server devices6802, which may also be referred to as a distributed computing system orsimply a “computing server,” is arranged to communicatively access aplurality of remote computing devices via a network 6804. The network6804 may comprise one or more complete or portions of a wide areanetwork (WAN) such as the internet, a cellular telecommunicationsnetwork, a satellite network or the like. The network 6804 may furthercomprise one or more complete or portions of a local area network (LAN)such as Ethernet, WiFi, powerline communications, or the like and one ormore complete or portions of a personal area network (PAN) such asBLUETOOTH, USB, or the like.

The computing server 6802 includes one or more computing server devicesarranged to concurrently communicate information between the computingserver 6802 and a plurality of remote devices.

Some of the remote devices are operating room base stations 6806. Eachoperating room base station 6806 may be associated with an operatingroom computing device 6808. The operating room base station 6806 maycommunicate with a computing server 6802 via a cloud interface 6810. Asrepresented by the dashed lines, the operating room base station 6806,the operating room computing device 6808, and the cloud interface 6810may be integrated into a single device, formed as separate devices,formed or some combination thereof, or formed in another manner.

A medical practitioner 6814, which may be a surgeon, nurse, technician,or some other person, is performing or assisting in the performance of amedical procedure on a patient 100. The medical procedure is performedto implant a kinematic implantable device such as an alert kneeprosthesis “A” into the patient 100. During the course of the medicalprocedure, information 6812 generated by the kinematic implantabledevice is wirelessly communicated to the operating room base station6806. During or after the course of the medical procedure, at least someof the information 6812 is communicated from the operating room basestation 6806 to the computing server 6802 via the cloud interface 6810.

As shown in FIG. 43 , a plurality of medical practitioners 6814 may beperforming medical procedures to implement kinematic implantable devicesinto a plurality of patients 100. In some cases, a single kinematicimplantable device is in communication with an associated operating roombase station 6806. In other cases, a plurality of kinematic implantabledevices associated with a same patient 100 are in communication with asame operating room base station 6806. Once implanted, a single home ordoctor's office base station may communicate with multiple implants in asingle patient or multiple implants across multiple patients. Thecomputing server 6802 is formed with robust communication logic suchthat a large number (e.g., tens, hundreds, thousands, or more) ofcommunication operations between the computing server 6802 and anynumber of base stations may be concurrently conducted.

Some others of the remote devices are home base stations 6816. Each homebase station 6816 may be associated with a home computing device 6818.The home base station 6816 may communicate with a computing server 6802via a cloud interface 6820. As represented by the dashed lines, the homebase station 6816, the home computing device 6818, and the cloudinterface 6820 may be integrated into a single device, formed asseparate devices, formed or some combination thereof, or formed inanother manner.

One or more home base stations 6816 are located in a residence of apatient 100. Occasionally, periodically, on a schedule, or at some othertimes, a kinematic implantable device implanted into the patient 100wirelessly communicates information 6822 to the home base station 6816.In some cases, information 6822 also includes personally descriptiveinformation provided by the patient 100 or some other user associatedwith the patient 100. Occasionally, periodically, on a schedule, inconjunction with receiving information 6822, or at some other times, thehome base station 6816 will communicate some or all of the information6822 from or otherwise associated with the kinematic implantable deviceto the computing server 6802 via the cloud interface 6820. In somecases, a plurality of patients 100 will share a residence. In this case,the home base station 6816 may communicatively couple to a plurality ofkinematic implantable devices implanted in the plurality of patients100. In these or other cases, a single patient 100 will have a pluralityof kinematic implantable devices implanted in their body. The home basestation 6816 is arranged to distinguish information 6822 generated by orotherwise associated with one kinematic implantable device frominformation 6822 generated by or otherwise associated with any otherkinematic implantable device.

Still others of the remote devices are doctor office base stations 6824.Each doctor office base station 6824 may be associated with a doctoroffice computing device 6826. The doctor office base station 6824 maycommunicate with a computing server 6802 via a cloud interface 6828. Asrepresented by the dashed lines, the doctor office base station 6824,the doctor office computing device 6826, and the cloud interface 6828may be integrated into a single device, formed as separate devices,formed or some combination thereof, or formed in another manner.

After having a medical procedure to implant a kinematic implantabledevice, patients 100 will sometimes see a medical professional, e.g., adoctor, physician's assistant, nurse, and/or physical therapist. In somecases, a plurality of patients 100 will be in a doctor office at thesame time. When a patient 100 is in the doctor office, their kinematicimplantable device may occasionally communicate with the doctor officebase station 6824. A plurality of kinematic implantable devices in oneor many patients 100 may concurrently communicate information to thedoctor office base station 6824.

In some cases, a medical practitioner will interact with the doctoroffice base station 6824 to direct a particular communication event witha particular kinematic implantable device. For example, the medicalpractitioner may direct a particular kinematic implantable device toenter a high resolution data collection mode. During or after the highresolution data collection mode, collected data is communicated from thekinematic implantable device to the doctor office base station 6824.Occasionally, periodically, on command, on schedule, or on some otherbasis, the doctor office base station 6824 communicates information 6830to the computing server 6802.

Various non-base station remote devices 6832 may also communicate withthe computing server 6802. The non-base station remote devices 6832 maybe any type of computing device such as a personal computer, laptopcomputer, tablet computer, mobile device, or some other type ofcomputing device. For example, the non-base station remote devices 6832include patient portal devices 6834, manufacturer computing devices6836, research entity computing devices 6838, government agencycomputing devices 6840, and other computing devices 6842. In some cases,the non-base station remote devices 6832 are operated by patients 100,and in other cases, the non-base station remote devices 6832 areoperated by non-patient users 6844. In some cases, the non-base stationremote devices 6832 are used to communicate information such aspersonally descriptive information.

The non-base station remote devices 6832 may be used to communicateinformation 6846 between the particular non-base station remote devices6832 and the computing server 6802. In some cases, the communicatedinformation 6846 is secure information 6848.

FIG. 44 is exemplary computing server 6802 embodiment. The computingserver 6802 is arranged as a single computing server, a network ofcomputing server devices, a distributed computing system, or in someother in arrangement. The computing server 6802 may be referred to as a“cloud device,” a “cloud computer,” the “cloud,” or by some other likename that identifies a remote scalable set of computing resources. Insome cases, the computing server 6802 may be implemented in a commercialcloud computing environment such as AMAZON WEB SERVICES (AWS), AZURE, orsome other like environment.

An exemplary computing server 6802 includes at least one processor 6850,input/output logic 6852, a network interface 6854 including logicarranged to implement a plurality of communication channels 6856. Eachof the plurality of communication channels 6856 may form a physical,virtual, logical, or another type of peer-to-peer communication channelbetween the computing server 6802 and a remote computing device such asa base station (e.g., operating room base station 6806, home basestation 6816, doctor office base station 6824, or some other basestation) or another non-base station remote device 6832.

Computing server 6802 further includes at least one memory 6858 andquery processor logic 6860, and obfuscation logic 6862. The queryprocessor logic 6860 is arranged to receive and fulfill incomingrequests from remote computing devices. The obfuscation logic 6862,which may be formed wholly or partially in hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software, is arranged to obfuscateparticular information that is meant to be kept secret (e.g., personallyidentifying patient information, payment information, security keys forencrypting, security keys for decrypting, and other such information).

Memory 6858 is arranged to store executable software instructions 6864,which may be executed by a processor 6850. Memory 6858 is also arrangedto include a database 6866. The database 6866 is arranged to storerecords associated with a plurality of kinematic implantable devices.Generally speaking, the incoming information requests received andfulfilled by the query processor 6860 are associated with kinematicimplantable devices. More specifically the incoming information requestsoften include or request specific kinematic data information collectedby a kinematic implantable device.

Each kinematic implantable device has a unique identifier that isdifferent from each other kinematic implantable device. In cases where asingle kinematic implantable device comprises several individuallydistinguishable components, two or more of the individuallydistinguishable components may each have a unique identifier.Additionally, each patient 100 may have a unique identifier, eachmedical practitioner 6814 may have a unique identifier, each medicalfacility may have a unique identifier, each operating room may have aunique identifier, each base station may have a unique identifier, andother unique identifiers may be assigned to other individuals, devices,entities, or the like. Accordingly, records in the database 6866 may bestored, searched, retrieved, or otherwise processed based on any numberof unique identifiers.

In one exemplary case, the query processor 6860 receives a first requestfrom a remote computing device. The remote computing device is anoperating room base station 6806. A medical practitioner 6814 isassisting in a medical procedure to implant a first kinematicimplantable device into a patient 100. The operating room base station6806 includes input logic to register at least one unique identifier ofthe first kinematic implantable device that will be implanted into thepatient 100. The input logic may be a barcode reader, scanner, keyboard,a mechanism within the first kinematic implantable device toautomatically provide certain data, or some other input device.

In addition to the at least one unique identifier, the medicalpractitioner 6814 may also direct or cause the input of furtherinformation such as a medical facility identifier that identifies the,hospital, clinic, operating room, surgical suite, or other such data;one or more medical practitioner identifiers that uniquely identify oneor more individuals who participate in the medical procedure to implantthe first kinematic implantable device; information identifying rolesthat one or more medical practitioners fulfill during the medicalprocedure; time and date information (e.g., a timestamp) associated withthe medical procedure to implant the first kinematic implantable device;an anatomical identifier associated with a body part that the kinematicimplantable device will replace or otherwise supplement; a patientidentifier associated with the kinematic implantable device; notesprovided by a medical practitioner associated with the medical procedureto implant the first kinematic implantable device; scheduling, mode,data-type, or other operational control information associated with thefirst kinematic implantable device; status information associated with aself-test, calibration, communications, data storage, or other operationof the first kinematic implantable device; and other such information.After collecting such information, the operating room base station 6806may then communicate the some or all of information to the computingserver 6802. The communication of such information performs an act ofregistering the first kinematic implantable device with the exemplarydistributed computing system for alert implantable medical devices 6800.

Upon receiving the information provided by the operating room basestation 6806, the query processor may cause the creation of one or morerecords in the database 6866. Some of the records, such as the patientinformation or other data that personally identifies a patient 100, willbe passed through obfuscation logic 6862 prior to storage in thedatabase 6866.

In some optional cases, the computing server 6802 processes the datareceived from the operating room base station 6806. The processing mayinclude one or more validation checks of the unique identifiersassociated with the first kinematic implantable device, the medicalpractitioner, the medical facility, and the like. The processing mayalso include validation checks to determine if the first kinematicimplantable device is determined to be safe for implantation in thepatient 100. The validation checks may include verifying governmentinformation or a lack thereof, verifying manufacturer information,analyzing status information (e.g., battery level) associated with thefirst kinematic implantable device, and other information.

Upon completion of database updates, optional validation checks, andcertain other procedures, the computing server 6802 may provide asuitable response to the operating room base station 6806. The suitableresponse, which may be an acknowledgment, directs a particular outputindication via the operating room base station 6806 to inform themedical practitioner that the first kinematic implantable device hasbeen registered, approved, and may be implanted into the patient 100.

Before, during, and after the medical procedure is performed, the firstkinematic implantable device may wirelessly communicate data to theoperating room base station 6806. The data may include kinematic data,operational data, status data, or any other data. In some cases, theinformation is high resolution kinematic data from one, many, or all ofthe sensors of the kinematic implantable device. The operating room basestation 6806 may communicate the data to the computing server 6802occasionally, periodically, on a schedule, on a triggered event, orbased on some other characteristic.

Each collection and communication of data by the kinematic implantabledevice is associated with one or more timestamps. In some cases,timestamps are based on actual time of day based on a particularreference time such as Zulu. In other cases, timestamps are based on a“time-zero” value.

The kinematic implantable device may have stored thereon one or more“time-zero” values. A time-zero value is a timestamp associated with aparticular initial event. Future events are given a timestamp that isretrieved from a counter that has been operating at a known rate sincethe time-zero value was first set. For example, when a kinematicimplantable device is powered for the very first time at manufacture, aninitial time-zero value may be set. The initial time-zero value may bebased on a certain clock that was started when the kinematic implantabledevice was first powered. If the certain clock counts at a known rate,then all future events during the life of the kinematic implantabledevice (i.e., while the kinematic implantable device has sufficientpower) may be measured from the initial time-zero value. Other time-zerovalues are also contemplated, such as when the kinematic implantabledevice is woken from a deepest sleep mode after manufacture forimplantation into a patient, or some other notable event.

After the medical procedure to implant the kinematic implantable deviceinto the patient 100 is complete, the patient may return home. At home,the kinematic implantable device will communicate with a home basestation 6816 occasionally, periodically, on a schedule, on a triggeredevent, or based on some other characteristic. During the communication,the kinematic implantable device will deliver information associatedwith the kinematic implantable device to the home base station 6816. Theinformation may include a unique identifier of the kinematic implantabledevice or some portion thereof, a patient identifier, one or moretimestamps associated with data from one or more sensors, the data fromthe one or more sensors, status information, operational information,control information, and any other such information. Occasionally,periodically, on a schedule, on a triggered event, or based on someother characteristic, the home base station 6816 will send aninformation request to the computing server 6802. The informationrequest may ask or otherwise direct the computing server 6802 to storeparticular data in its database 6866.

In some cases, a patient will live with a kinematic implantable devicein their body for a long period of time (e.g., months, years, ordecades). In these cases, the kinematic implantable device may providesubstantial quantities of kinematic data over time to the computingserver 6802. In these cases, the computing server 6802 continues tocollect and store the kinematic data in database 6866.

In some cases, such as when a fault is detected, when a manufacturerupdates firmware, or for some other reason, the kinematic implantabledevice may request updated firmware or the computing server 6802 maydirect an update of firmware. In such cases, the computing server 6802will provide said firmware via a base station (e.g., operating room basestation 6806, home base station 6816, doctor office base station 6824,or some other base station) to the kinematic implantable device.

After a kinematic implantable device is implanted in the patient 100,the patient 100 will in some cases see a medical practitioner fortreatment. In these cases, the patient 100 will typically travel to amedical practitioner's office (e.g., doctor's office, physical therapyfacility, and the like), a medical clinic, a hospital, or some otherlocation where medical service will be provided. In these cases thekinematic implantable device of the patient will begin to communicatewith a doctor office base station 6824. The doctor office base station6824 may automatically or via a direction from a medical practitionerdirect the kinematic implantable device to operate in a particular mode,collect particular data, deliver particular data, or take some otheraction.

For example, in some cases, the medical practitioner will direct thepatient 100 to perform a particular exercise, move in a particular way,or take some other action to operate the kinematic implantable device ina particular way. The kinematic implantable device may collect kinematicdata, high resolution kinematic data, or some other data. The medicalpractitioner may apply particular markers, notes, or some other input oridentifying information in association with the collected kinematicdata. Subsequently, after the kinematic data is delivered to the doctoroffice base station 6824, the doctor office base station 6824 willcommunicate the kinematic data, high resolution kinematic data, or otherdata to the computing server 6802 along with a request that thecomputing server 680 to store the particular data in database 6866. Inthese cases, as with all other cases where kinematic data is deliveredto the computing server 6802, the kinematic data will include andassociated unique identifier of the kinematic implantable device or someportion thereof along with an associated timestamp.

In some cases, one or more non-base station remote devices 6832 may alsocommunicate with the computing server 6802. In these cases, the non-basestation remote devices 6832 may be operated by a patient 100, anon-patient user 6844, or some other user. The non-base station remotedevices 6832 may be a patient portal computing device 6834, amanufacturer computing device 6836, a research entity computing device6838, a government agency computing device 6840, or some other computingdevice 6842. In these cases, the non-base station remote device 6832 maypass a request to the computing server 6802 to receive specific oraggregated information from the database 6866. For example, the requestmay ask for particular data from one or more records that share a commoncharacteristic.

The specific or aggregated request may specify, for example, a commoncharacteristic that is a unique identifier of a particular kinematicimplantable device. In this way all of the collected data stored in thedatabase 6866 that is associated with the particular kinematicimplantable device having the unique identifier will be retrieved. Inanother example, the common characteristic may be a same type ofkinematic implantable device, such as an alert knee prosthesis, an alerthip prosthesis, an alert shoulder prosthesis, an alert ankle prosthesis,or some other type of kinematic implantable device. In another example,the common characteristic is a same anatomical identifier (e.g., leftknee, right shoulder, and the like). In such cases, particular researchcan be done focused on particular devices. In still other examples, thecommon characteristic may be same medical practitioner identifier, asame medical facility identifier, a same manufacturer identifier, a samemanufacturing lot number identifier, or some other information that maypermit desirable research. Other common characteristics are alsocontemplated, including demographic information, chronologicalinformation, particular notes taken by a doctor or medical practitioner,firmware version numbers, kinematic data (e.g., when particularthresholds are crossed such as angle of motion, velocity, stress, andothers), and many others.

FIG. 45 is a data flow diagram of a timeline 6868 associated with aparticular kinematic implantable device embodiment. The timeline 6868may be logical, virtual, or formed in another way for example, by alinked list, a database query, or in some other way. Generally speaking,the timeline 6868 permits reconstruction of all data collected for aparticular kinematic implantable device. In some cases, the computingserver 6802 constructs a timeline 6868 as data is collected. Forexample, the computing server 6802 may create one or more new databaserecords each time kinematic data associated with a particular kinematicimplantable device is received, and the one or more new database recordsmay be linked to one or more existing database records.

The timeline 6868 begins at time-zero 6870. Time-zero 6870 may be apoint in time associated with a first power-on of the particularkinematic implantable device. Alternatively, time-zero 6870 may be apoint in time associated with the particular kinematic implantabledevice waking from a deep sleep mode which was entered after the devicewas manufactured and exited during the medical procedure when thekinematic implantable device was being implant in the patient 100.Alternatively still, time-zero 6870 may be a point in time associatedwith a particular time reference (e.g., Greenwich Mean Time). Time-zero6870 may also be some other time.

Occasionally, periodically, on a schedule, or at some other times aftertime-zero 6870, additional data associated with the kinematicimplantable device is collected by a base station and communicated tothe computing server 6802. As illustrated in the timeline 6868, data iscollected at times T1 to Tn, where “n” is an integer, and the collectionof data continues beyond time Tn. In some cases, such as between timesT1 and T4, the collection of data is periodic based on a particularschedule stored and acted on by the kinematic implantable device. Atother times, kinematic data may be collected frequently or infrequently. Each timestamp of kinematic data (e.g., T0 to Tn) may beidentified as corresponding to one or more records that associate thetimestamp with a kinematic implantable device unique identifier.

Each timestamp T0 to Tn is linked to one or more per device records6872, which store timing information kinematic implantable deviceoperational mode, sensor data, a unique identifier of a base stationthat communicated the data, and a plurality of other data identified asParameter 1 and Parameter 2. In this way, during or after the lifetimeof each kinematic implantable device, an operational timeline specificto each particular kinematic implantable device can be constructed, andall of the device specific data can be collected, retrieved, analyzed,and the like. If a device has failed, or caused pain, a medicalpractitioner, researcher, or some other person, can determined whenparticular stresses, forces, motion, or other parameters associated withthe device occurred.

The one or more per device records 6872 are linked to one or more devicedata records 6874. The one or more device data records 6874 may becollected one time, such as when the kinematic implantable device isregistered via the operating room base station 6806. Alternatively, orin addition, the one or more device data records 6874 may be collectedor supplemented at other times of data collection. The device datarecords 6874 may include patient identifier information, medicalfacility (e.g., hospital, clinic, surgical suite, and the like)identifier information, medical practitioner (e.g., surgeon, nurse,technician, and the like) identifier information, and a plurality ofother device data identified as Parameter 3 and Parameter 4.

At least some of the device data may be obfuscated at 6876 and stored inone or more obfuscated data records 6878. In some cases, in amanufacturer's recall, for example, a patient may need to be contacted.In this way, a particular query by an authorized party having specificauthorization information 6848 may be able to find the name, contactinformation, address, or other personal information associated with aparticular patient 100 who received a specific kinematic implantabledevice.

Certain other data may also be stored in one or more demographics datarecords 6880. The data stored in the one or more demographics datarecords may be collected one time, many times, or when particularkinematic implantable device data is collected. The demographic data mayinclude gender, age, height, weight, geographic area, a particular stateof mind or personality assessment, medical practitioner notes, and anyother demographic data which is so identified as Parameter 7 andParameter 8.

In some cases, as described with respect to the non-base station remotedevices 6832, for example, the query processor 6860 of computing server6802 may receive requests for particular data. The requests may be forspecific items of data, or aggregated items of data. One researcher maysearch for information collected by a plurality of kinematic implantabledevices having a same model number, manufacturer, date of manufacture,timeframe of implantation, or any other such criteria. Anotherresearcher may search for information collected by a different pluralityof kinematic implantable devices implanted in a particular anatomicallocation. Yet another researcher may search for information to learn whycertain kinematic implantable devices have different failure rates thanother kinematic implantable devices.

FIG. 46 is a data flow diagram 6882 representing information passinginto and out of a computing server 6802. Processing begins at 6884.

At 6886, various portions of the computing server 6802 are initialized.If the computing server 6802 is being initialized for the first time,memory is cleared communications are initialized and various otherconventional tasks associated with initializing a computing server areexecuted. If the computing server 6802 is not being initialized for thefirst time, memory buffers are cleared, timers are initialized, and thecomputing server 6802 weights for a request from a remote computingdevice such as a base station (e.g., operating room base station 6806,home base station 6816, doctor office base station 6824, or some otherbase station) or another non-base station remote device 6832. When arequest is received, processing advances to 6888.

At 6888, a query processor 6860 parses the received request. One or moreidentifiers in the request payload are interrogated. The computingserver 6802 may determine if the sender of the request is identifiable.The computing server 6802 may determine if a unique identifier of thekinematic implantable device is recognized. Other identifiers, such as auser identifier, or some other identifiers may also be verified.

If the unique identifier of the kinematic implantable device is notrecognized at 6888, processing advances to 6890. At 6890, the computingserver 6802 attempts to register the kinematic implantable device is anew device in the database 6866. The computing server 6802 may performany number of validation checks to determine whether the kinematicimplantable device is known, and fit for implantation. The computingserver 6802 may interactively request information from the sender.Alternatively, or in addition, the computing server 6802 may analyzedata in the payload of the original message. The computing server 6802may interrogate other databases internal to the computing server 6802 orexternal to the computing server 6802 (e.g., via the internet), such asmanufacturing databases, government databases, consumer databases, orother databases. Based on the suitability of the kinematic implantabledevice for implantation, the computing server 6802 will respond to therequest. The response may inform a medical practitioner that thekinematic implantable device is suitable for implantation andregistered, not suitable for implantation, or the computing server 6802may provide different information. Processing from 6890 returns to 6886for re-initialization and to await another request.

If the computing server 6802 determined at 6888 that an identifiermatched and the kinematic implantable device was recognized, processingadvances to 6892.

At 6892, the query processor 6860 determines whether the request isattempting to provide data for storage in the database 6886 or retrievedata from the database 6886. If the received request is attempting toprovide data, processing advances to 6894. At 6894, the computing server6802 will validate the data, store the data, and perform otherhousekeeping tasks. The unique identifier of the kinematic implantabledevice is used as an index or other inquiry term for the database 6866.One or more timestamps in the request message payload are retrieved andstored. Other payload data, such as kinematic data collected by thekinematic implantable device is stored. If any of the data is personaldata, secure data, or the like, such data may be obfuscated prior tostorage. The computing server 6802 may link particular records orperform actions to support the building of a particular time line 6868.After the data is stored, processing from 6894 returns to 6886.

If at 6892 the computing server 6802 determined that the receivedrequest is attempting to retrieve data, processing advances to 6896. At6896, the request payload is interrogated by the query processor 6860and particular data request information is identified. Data may also becollected or otherwise identified in the database 6866. At 6898, thecomputing server 6802 determines if the requester is authorized toretrieve the requested data. If the requester is not authorized,processing advances back to 6886 for re-initialization and to awaitanother request. On the other hand, if the requester is authorized,processing advances to 6899 where the data is de-obfuscated ifnecessary, appropriately packaged, and communicated to the requester'sremote computing device.

Processing advances back to 6886 for re-initialization and to awaitanother request.

As used in the present disclosure, the term “module” and “logic” referto an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electroniccircuit, a processor and a memory operative to execute one or moresoftware or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, or othersuitable components (hardware, software, or hardware and software) thatprovide the functionality described with respect to the module or logicas the case may be.

A processor (i.e., a processing unit), as used in the presentdisclosure, refers to one or more processing units individually, shared,or in a group, having one or more processing cores (e.g., executionunits), including central processing units (CPUs), digital signalprocessors (DSPs), microprocessors, micro controllers, state machines,and the like that execute instructions.

In the present disclosure, memory may be used in one configuration oranother. The memory may be configured to store data. In the alternativeor in addition, the memory may be a non-transitory computer readablemedium (CRM) wherein the CRM is configured to store instructionsexecutable by a processor. The instructions may be stored individuallyor as groups of instructions in files. The files may include functions,services, libraries, and the like. The files may include one or morecomputer programs or may be part of a larger computer program.Alternatively or in addition, each file may include data or othercomputational support material useful to carry out the computingfunctions of the systems, methods, and apparatus described in thepresent disclosure.

As known by one skilled in the art, a computing device such as computingserver 6802 has one or more memories 6858, and each memory comprises anycombination of transitory and non-transitory, volatile and non-volatilecomputer-readable media for reading and writing. Volatilecomputer-readable media includes, for example, random access memory(RAM). Non-volatile computer-readable media includes, for example, readonly memory (ROM), magnetic media such as a hard-disk, an optical diskdrive, a flash memory device, a CD-ROM, and/or the like. In some cases,a particular memory is separated virtually or physically into separateareas, such as a first memory, a second memory, a third memory, etc. Inthese cases, it is understood that the different divisions of memory maybe in different devices or embodied in a single memory. Some or all ofthe stored contents of a memory may include software instructionsexecutable by a processing device to carry out one or more particularacts.

The terms, “real-time” or “real time,” as used herein and in the claimsthat follow, are not intended to imply instantaneous processing,transmission, reception, or otherwise as the case may be. Instead, theterms, “real-time” and “real time” imply that the activity occurs overan acceptably short period of time (e.g., over a period of microseconds,milliseconds, seconds, or minutes), and that the activity may beperformed on an ongoing basis (e.g., transmission of the kinematic databeing triggered by a schedule, an event, or the detection of a fault oranomaly). An example of an activity that is not real-time is one thatoccurs over an extended period of time (e.g., hours or days) or thatoccurs based on intervention or direction by a person.

FIG. 44 illustrates portions of a non-limiting embodiment of a computingserver 6802. Computing server 6802 is a computing server that includesoperative hardware found in a conventional computing server apparatussuch as one or more central processing units (CPU's), volatile andnon-volatile memory, serial and parallel input/output (I/O) circuitrycompliant with various standards and protocols, wired and/or wirelessnetworking circuitry (e.g., a communications transceiver).

Computing server 6802 further includes operative software found in aconventional computing server such as an operating system, softwaredrivers to direct operations through the I/O circuitry, networkingcircuitry, and other peripheral component circuitry. In addition,computing server 6802 includes operative application software such asnetwork software for communicating with other computing devices,database software for building and maintaining databases, and taskmanagement software for distributing the communication and/oroperational workload amongst various processors. In some cases,computing server 6802 is a single hardware machine having the hardwareand software listed herein, and in other cases, computing server 6802 isa networked collection of hardware and software machines workingtogether in a server farm to execute the functions of the exemplarydistributed computing system for alert implantable medical devices 6800.The conventional hardware and software of computing server 6802 is notshown in FIG. 44 for simplicity.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart 6882 illustrating processes that may be used byembodiments of the computing server 6802 for directing the collectionand retrieval of particular kinematic data. In this regard, eachdescribed process may represent a module, segment, or portion of code,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). In some implementations, the functionsnoted in the process may occur in a different order, may includeadditional functions, may occur concurrently, and/or may be omitted.

The present disclosure has provided implantable reporting processors andalert implants comprising the same. The information obtained from thealert implant is sent to a recipient to review/interpret. Thatinformation may provide a detailed view of the status of the implantover a period of time. That information may be conveniently viewed bythe recipient on a display. That display may be incorporated into avirtual reality headset.

In one embodiment the present disclosure provides that the alert implantmay be visualized by virtual reality techniques. Virtual realitytechniques provide electronic input to a viewing screen, typically wornby the user as a headset or headgear, where that viewing screen providesthe user with an apparent 3-dimension “real” image. This technology canbe used to provide a 3-dimensional view of the alert implants of thepresent disclosure. The user may operate controls that shift the vantagepoint utilized in the virtual reality representation, so that the usercan see the visualized features from different points of view.

Virtual reality techniques are being actively developed by the videogame industry and their partners. Examples from the gaming industryinclude Sulon Q, a VR and augmented reality headset offered by SulonTechnologies (Markham, Ontario, Canada), the PlayStation VR headsetoffered by Sony (Japan), Gear VR developed by Samsung (South Korea),Rift, developed by Oculus (a division of Facebook, California, USA), andVive, developed by HTC (Bellevue, Wash., USA). See also US PatentPublication Nos. U52016025978; US2016019720; 20160011422; 20160011425;20150253574; 20080214903; and 20070271301.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates generally to amechanical tool, and more specifically to a tool that may be used tojoin two pieces together. In general, pressure may be used to force tocomplementary pieces together, where pressure develops a so-calledforce-fit between the pieces, whereby the pieces are held together byfrictional forces. When at least one of the pieces has a fragileportion, such that the portion is too fragile to withstand the forcebeing exerted to achieve a force-fit between the pieces, a way must befound to exert the necessary force without damaging the fragile portion.This situation occurs, for example, when an IRP is being inserted into amedical implant to provide an alert implant as described herein. Thepresent disclosure provides a solution to this problem.

FIGS. 47A, 47B and 47C provide three different views of a tool 10 of thepresent disclosure. In FIG. 47A, the tool 10 has an outer perimeter 12,which is shown as being circular. The outer perimeter need not becircular, but can be any shape, e.g., oval, square, or rectangular. Theouter perimeter 12 of the tool 10 will have a surface 14, shown in FIG.47B, where some or all of that surface 14 may optionally be textured forease of handling, as shown by textured surface 16 in FIG. 47B. The tool10 will also have a central inner cavity 18, shown in FIG. 47A. Thatcentral cavity 18 may be visualized as being divided into sections basedupon the cross section of the cavity. For example, as shown in FIG. 47C,the central cavity 18 may be divided into a cavity 18A have a constantlyvarying cross-sectional distance, and a cavity 18B having a constantcross-sectional distance. FIG. 47A shows the circumference 20 of acylinder having a constantly varying cross-sectional distance from 20,which is the largest circumference and corresponds to the longest crosssectional distance in central cavity 18, to 22, which is the smallestcircumference and corresponds to the shortest cross sectional distancein central cavity 18. Cavity 18B has a constant cross sectional distancebounded by circumference 22. Cavity 18A has a varying cross sectionaldistance. The tool 10 has a surface 24 as shown in FIGS. 47B and 47C,against which force may be applied, as discussed further in reference toFIGS. 48 and 49 .

A use of the tool 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49 . In FIGS. 48 and49 , a first piece 30 is being fitted into a second piece 32, by use ofthe tool 10. In FIG. 48 , force is applied downward against the tool 10,where tool 10 fits around the first piece 30, although does not comeinto contact with a fragile portion 34 of first piece 30. In FIG. 48 ,the second piece 32 is held stationary against a table or othernon-movable surface 36. In FIG. 48 , force is exerted downward onto tool10, where that force is transmitted onto and through the first piece 30,thereby forcing first piece 30 into a complementarily sized cavity insecond piece 32.

FIG. 49 illustrates an alternative way to use tool 10. In FIG. 49 , thetool 10 is placed on the non-movable surface 36, and the first piece isfitted into the tool 10. The second piece 32 is then placed into contactwith the first piece 30, and force is exerted downwards onto secondpiece 32. That force is transmitted to the first piece 30, where firstpiece 30 is held in place with tool 10.

In each of FIG. 48 and FIG. 49 , sufficient force is applied such thatfirst piece 30 and second piece 32 come into contact with one another,and that contact is under sufficient force that a frictional force iscreated between first piece 30 and second piece 32. That frictionalforce keeps the two pieces together. After the two pieces have beencoupled or mated together, the tool 10 can be readily removed. In thisway, first piece 30 is inserted into second piece 32, in a manner thatallows for a fragile portion of first piece 30 to extend out of and notbe damaged during the impaction process.

In FIGS. 48 and 49 , the second piece is a tibial plate. More generally,the second piece may be a prosthesis that will be placed into a subject,where the first piece is added to the prosthesis prior to the combinedfirst and second pieces being placed into a subject.

Some commercial tibial inserts for a total knee arthroscopy (TKA)prostheses are attached to the tibial plate component using an impactforce delivered from a hammer or by other forceful means. The tibialinsert is the affixed further by means of a secondary retainingstructure such as a setscrew contained within the tibial plate whichinterfaces to the tibial insert to insure that it cannot be removed fromthe tibial plate once implanted. When it is desired to have a tibialinsert with a fragile surface, there are limitations on where such forcemay be applied, so as not to damage the surface and what may lieunderneath that surface. The present disclosure provides a tibial plateimpaction tool whereby an ancillary piece may be added to the tibialplate without causing damage to the ancillary piece. In one embodiment,the tool facilitates the joining together of a tibial plate and a tibialextension, where the tibial extension has a fragile surface due, forexample, to the presence of an IRP (implantable reporting processor) onthe tibial extension. The tool has an internal cavity which engages withthe tibial extension, and which has a maximum cross-sectional distancesuited for connecting with a tibial extension of less than 100 mm, orless than 50 mm, or less than 25 mm, or about 5 mm.

Because the combined first and second pieces may be implanted into aliving subject, e.g., a human, the material selected are capable ofterminal sterilization by, e.g., sterilizing radiation. The materialsmay be, for example, metal, ceramic or polymeric.

FIG. 50 shows an alternative tool 40 of the present disclosure, which issimilar to tool 10 except that tool 40 is hinged so as to allow the tool40 to open. This is particularly useful after the tool 40 has been usedto mate first and second pieces together, since after the mating processthe tool 40 may be opened up via the hinged mechanism, to allow the tool40 to be more easily separated from the joined pieces. In FIG. 50 , thehinge is shown as feature 42, and feature 44 shows a locking or claspingmechanism to hold the hinged piece together during the use of tool 40.

FIG. 51A shows an alternative tool 50 of the present disclosure, whichis similar to tool 10 except that tool 50 has a handle 52.

FIG. 51B is a cross-sectional view of the tool 50 also shown in FIG. 5A.In FIG. 5B, the tool 50 has a handle 52, and a cavity 54, in analogy tocavity 18 of tool 10.

FIG. 52 shows an alternative tool 60 of the present disclosure, which issimilar to tool 50 except that tool 60 has two handles 62 and 64, inaddition to a cavity 66.

FIG. 53 shows an alternative tool 70 of the present disclosure which hasboth a handle 72 to hold and apply force, and a hinge 74 to allow thecavity 76 to be expanded to assist in opening the tool when it isdesired to separate the tool 70 from the compacted first and secondpieces.

In general, a cylindrical tool, e.g., 10 as shown in FIG. 47A, maycontain an internal cavity having dimensions that include a taperedsection designed to mate with a first piece. The internal mating surfacemay be smooth or contains ribs and/or other structural features (notshown) designed to decrease surface area to facilitate removal of thetool from the piece after force has been applied. The tool, e.g., 10,contains a surface, e.g., 24 in FIG. 47B, which can be used to impart anaxial load sufficient to engage the first piece to the second piece, asillustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49 . The tool 10 may or may not havefeatures such as surface texturing on the outer casing which facilitategriping by hand and removal to the tool. In the alternative of surfacetexturing, a hinge/clasp mechanism as shown in FIG. 50 may be used.

FIG. 54 shows an embodiment of a tool 50 of the present disclosure beingused to force together a tibial extension having a fragile surface 30,and a tibial plate 32.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an impaction toolcomprising an internal cavity exposed to the surroundings via an openingin the cavity, the internal cavity partially enclosed by an outercasing. Optionally, the tool may be described by one or more, e.g., all,of the following features: the internal cavity is complementary in sizeand shape to a tibial insert; the tool further comprises a hinge thatallows the internal cavity to expand; the tool further comprises ahandle extending from the outer casing; the tool further comprises anouter casing comprising a textured surface; the internal cavity of thetool has a maximum cross-sectional distance for connecting with a tibialextension, and that distance is about 5 mm. In addition, the presentdisclosure provides a method of inserting a tibial extension into acomplementarily sized and shaped opening in a tibial plate, where themethod comprises inserting a portion of the tibial extension into a toolas described above; inserting another portion of the tibial extensioninto a tibial plate, and applying force through the tool to push theextension into the plate.

The following are additional exemplary embodiments of the inventionprovided in the present disclosure:

-   -   1. An implantable medical device, comprising:    -   an electronics assembly;    -   a power component coupled to the electronics assembly; and    -   an antenna component coupled to the electronics assembly,        wherein the electronics assembly includes a space-efficient        printed circuit assembly.    -   2. The implantable medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the        electronics assembly is a folded multi-board printed circuit        assembly.    -   3. The implantable medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the        electronics assembly is a folded three board printed circuit        assembly.    -   4. The implantable medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the        electronics assembly is a folded two board printed circuit        assembly.    -   5. The implantable medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the        electronics assembly is a single board printed circuit assembly.    -   6. The implantable medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the        electronics assembly is a multi-board circular-stacked printed        circuit assembly.    -   7. The implantable medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the        electronics assembly is a single board circular printed circuit        assembly.    -   8. The implantable medical device of each of embodiments 1-7,        wherein at least one of the electronics assembly, power        component, and antenna component is enclosed in a hermetically        sealable casing.    -   9. The implantable medical device of each of embodiments 1-8,        wherein the electronics assembly includes a plurality of sensors        configured to monitor a plurality of kinematic parameters.    -   10. The implantable medical device of each of embodiments 1-9,        wherein the electronics assembly includes at least one sensor        configured to monitor pressure.    -   11. The implantable medical device of each of embodiments 1-10,        wherein the electronics assembly includes a plurality of sensors        configured to monitor biologic parameters associated with at        least one of temperature, pH, and biomarkers associated with        infection.    -   12. An implantable medical device, comprising:        -   a reporting processor configured to be fixedly attached to            an implantable prosthetic device, wherein the reporting            processor includes an implantable casing configured to            enclose a power component, an electronics assembly            electrically coupled and physically attached to the power            component, and an antenna component electrically coupled and            physical attached to the electronics assembly.    -   13. The implantable medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the        casing is configured to be hermetically sealed and/or the casing        is configured to include material capable of allowing the        implantable reporting processor to transmit and receive        information.    -   14. The implantable medical device of embodiments 12 and 13,        wherein the implantable prosthetic device comprises a tibial        extension affixed to a tibial plate.    -   15. The implantable medical device of embodiments 12-14, wherein        the power component comprises a battery.    -   16. The implantable medical device of embodiments 12-15, wherein        the antenna component comprises a transmission antenna.    -   17. The implantable medical device of embodiments 12-16, wherein        the electronics assembly includes a memory integrated circuit or        chip configured to receive and store unique identification        information for the implantable medical device during a surgical        procedure.    -   18. A method of manufacture of an implantable medical device,        comprising:    -   forming an electronics assembly;    -   forming a power component;    -   electrically coupling and fixedly attaching the power component        to the electronics assembly;    -   forming an antenna component;    -   electrically coupling and fixedly attaching the antenna        component to the electronics assembly; and    -   enclosing the electronics assembly, power component and antenna        component in a hermitically sealable outer casing.    -   19. The method of manufacture of embodiment 18, wherein the        forming the electronics assembly comprises forming at least one        of a single board printed circuit assembly, a two-board printed        circuit assembly, or a three board printed circuit assembly.    -   20. The method of manufacture of embodiment 18, wherein the        forming the electronics assembly comprises forming a circular        stacked printed circuit assembly.    -   21. An implantable medical device, comprising:    -   a printed circuit assembly;    -   a power component coupled to the printed circuit assembly; and    -   an antenna component coupled to the printed circuit assembly,        wherein the antenna component is configured internally or        externally to the implantable medical device.    -   22. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a ceramic chip antenna configured        internally to the implantable medical device.    -   23. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a first whip antenna configured        externally to the implantable medical device.    -   24. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a second whip antenna configured        externally to the implantable medical device.    -   25. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a patch antenna configured        externally to the implantable medical device.    -   26. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a patch antenna configured        internally to the implantable medical device.    -   27. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a near field communication (NFC)        coil antenna configured internally to the implantable medical        device.    -   28. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component is a metal case enclosure for the printed        circuit assembly.    -   29. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a metal component of a tibial plate.    -   30. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a metal component of a tibial plate        electrically coupled to the implantable medical device.    -   31. The implantable medical device of embodiment 21, wherein the        antenna component comprises a tibial plate, and the implantable        medical device is a reporting processor in a tibial extension.    -   32. An implantable medical device, comprising:        -   a reporting processor configured to be fixedly attached to            an implantable prosthetic device, wherein the reporting            processor includes an implantable casing configured to            enclose a power component, an electronics assembly            electrically coupled and physically attached to the power            component, and an antenna component electrically coupled and            physically attached internally or externally to the            reporting processor.    -   33. The implantable medical device of embodiment 32, wherein the        reporting processor comprises a tibial extension.    -   34. The implantable medical device of embodiment 32, wherein the        implantable prosthetic device comprises a tibial extension        affixed to a tibial plate.    -   35. The implantable medical device of embodiments 32-34, wherein        the power component comprises a battery.    -   36. The implantable medical device of embodiments 32-35, wherein        the antenna component comprises a transmission antenna.    -   37. The implantable medical device of embodiments 32-36, wherein        the electronics assembly includes a memory integrated circuit or        chip configured to receive and store unique identification        information for the implantable medical device during a surgical        procedure.    -   38. A method of manufacture of an implantable medical device,        comprising:    -   forming an electronics assembly;    -   forming a power component;    -   electrically coupling and fixedly attaching the power component        to the electronics assembly;    -   forming an antenna component; and    -   electrically coupling and fixedly attaching the antenna        component to the electronics assembly.    -   39. The method of manufacture of embodiment 38, wherein the        electrically coupling and fixedly attaching the antenna        component to the electronics assembly comprises attaching the        antenna component externally to the implantable medical device.    -   40. The method of manufacture of embodiment 38, wherein the        wherein the electrically coupling and fixedly attaching the        antenna component to the electronics assembly comprises        attaching the antenna component internally in the implantable        medical device.    -   41. A battery, comprising:    -   a container sized to fit inside of a bone;    -   an anode disposed in the container;    -   a cathode disposed in the container;    -   a cathode terminal coupled to the cathode and exposed outside of        the container; and    -   an anode terminal coupled to the anode and exposed outside of        the container.    -   42 The battery of embodiment 41 wherein the container includes a        metal.    -   43 The battery of embodiment 41 wherein the container is rigid.    -   44. The battery of embodiments 41-43 wherein the container is        sized to fit inside of a bone of a living subject.    -   45. The battery of embodiments 41-44 wherein the container is        sized to fit inside of a femur of a living subject.    -   46. The battery of embodiments 41-44 wherein the container is        sized to fit inside of a cavity in a tibia of a living subject.    -   47. The battery of embodiments 41-46 wherein the container is        sized to fit inside of a device that is at least partially        implanted in the bone.    -   48. The battery of embodiment 41 wherein:    -   the container is sized to fit in a tibial extension of a knee        prosthesis; and the tibial extension is sized to fit in a tibia        of a living subject.    -   49. The battery of embodiment 41 wherein:    -   the container is sized to fit in a femoral stem of a hip        prosthesis; and the femoral stem is sized to fit in a femur of a        living subject.    -   50. The battery of embodiments 41-49 wherein the anode includes        lithium.    -   51. The battery of embodiments 41-50 wherein the cathode        includes carbon monofluoride.    -   52. The battery of embodiments 41-51 wherein the anode and the        cathode are configured to provide power for at least one year        without recharging or replacement.    -   53. The battery of embodiments 41-51 wherein the anode and the        cathode are configured to provide power for at least one year,        for at least ten years, for at least fifteen years, for at least        eighteen years, or for over eighteen years, without recharging        or replacement.    -   54. An assembly, comprising:    -   a cylindrical container having a diameter and an end, sized to        fit inside of a bone, and housing electronic circuitry; and    -   a cylindrical battery having approximately the diameter, sized        to fit inside of the bone, and having an end attached to the end        of the container.    -   55. The assembly of embodiment 54 wherein the battery includes a        lithium-carbon-monofluoride battery.    -   56. The assembly of embodiment 54 wherein the battery includes a        nickel-cadmium, zinc-mercury, or Lithium iodine (Li/SO2,        Li/SOCl2, and Li/MNO2) battery.    -   57. The assembly of embodiment 54 wherein the battery is a        rechargeable battery.    -   58. The assembly of embodiment 54 wherein the battery is a        rechargeable battery configured for recharging in response to        kinetic motion.    -   59. The assembly of embodiment 54 wherein the battery is a        rechargeable battery configured for recharging in response to        inductive coupling.    -   60. An implantable reporter processor, comprising:

-   a housing sized to fit in a prosthesis;

-   electronic circuitry disposed in the housing and configured to    provide information related to the prosthesis; and

-   a battery disposed in the housing and coupled to the electronic    circuitry.    -   61. The implantable reporter processor of embodiment 60 wherein        the housing is sized to fit in a tibial extension of a knee        prosthesis.    -   62. The implantable reporter processor of embodiment 60 wherein        the housing is sized to fit in a location selected from a        femoral stem of a hip prosthesis, a humeral stem of a shoulder        prosthesis, and a shaft of a intramedullary rod for        stabilization of a fracture of a bone selected from a femur,        tibia, and a fibula.    -   63. The implantable reporter processor of embodiment 60, further        comprising:    -   a cylindrical casing having a diameter and an end;    -   wherein the electronic circuitry is disposed in the casing; and    -   wherein the battery is cylindrical, has approximately the        diameter, and has an end coupled to the end of the casing.    -   64. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a receptacle; and    -   an implantable reporting processor having a coupling section        disposed in the receptacle and including    -   electronic circuitry; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   65. The prosthesis of embodiment 64 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is configured to be disposed in a bone of a        living subject.    -   66. The prosthesis of embodiment 64, further comprising:    -   a tibial plate; and    -   a tibial extension attached to the tibial plate and including        the receptacle and the implantable reporting processor.    -   67. The prosthesis of embodiment 64, further comprising:    -   a femoral head; and    -   a femoral stem attached to the femoral head and including the        receptacle and the implantable reporting processor.    -   68. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including an implantable reporting processor having    -   electronic circuitry; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   69. The method of embodiment 68 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a tibia of the living subject.    -   70. The method of embodiment 68 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a femur of the living subject.    -   71. The method of embodiments 68-70 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is disposed in the cavity.    -   72. The method of embodiments 68-71, further comprising        configuring the electronic circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least one year.    -   73. The method of embodiments 68-71, further comprising        configuring the electronic circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least ten years.    -   74. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a hollow region; and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including electronic circuitry; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   75. The prosthesis of embodiment 74, further comprising a member        that includes the hollow region and that is configured to be        disposed in a bone of a living subject.    -   76. The prosthesis of embodiment 74, further comprising:    -   a tibial plate; and    -   a tibial extension attached to the tibial plate and including        the hollow region.    -   77. The prosthesis of embodiment 74, further comprising:    -   a femoral head; and    -   a femoral stem attached to the femoral head and including the        hollow region.    -   78. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including    -   a hollow region, and    -   a reporting processor disposed in the hollow region and        including electronic circuitry; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   79. The method of embodiment 78 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a tibia of the living subject.    -   80. The method of embodiment 78 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a femur of the living subject.    -   81. The method of embodiments 78-80 wherein the hollow region is        disposed in the at least a portion of the prosthesis.    -   82. The method of embodiments 78-81, further comprising        configuring the electronic circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least one year.    -   83. The method of embodiments 78-81, further comprising        configuring the electronic circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least ten years.    -   84. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a hollow region; and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including electronic circuitry; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   85. The prosthesis of embodiment 84, further comprising a member        that includes the hollow region and that is configured to be        disposed in a breast implant.    -   86. The prosthesis of embodiment 84, further comprising:    -   multiple prostheses each contained in a sealed compartment of a        breast implant    -   87. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in the breast tissue of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including    -   a hollow region, and    -   a reporting processor disposed in the hollow region and        including electronic circuitry; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   88. The method of embodiment 87 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in the breast tissue of the living        subject.    -   89. The method of embodiments 87-88, further comprising        configuring the electronic circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least one year.    -   90. The method of embodiments 87-88, further comprising        configuring the electronic circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least fifteen years.    -   91. Electronic circuitry, comprising:    -   a supply node configured to be coupled to a battery;    -   at least one peripheral circuit;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time.    -   92. The electronic circuitry of embodiment 91 wherein the at        least one peripheral circuit comprises an inertial measurement        circuit.    -   93. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-92 wherein the at        least one peripheral circuit comprises a memory circuit.    -   94. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-93 wherein the        processing circuit comprises a microprocessor.    -   95. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-93 wherein the        processing circuit comprises a microcontroller.    -   96. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-95 wherein the        timing circuit comprises a real-time clock.    -   97. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-96, further        comprising:    -   a switch coupled between the supply node and the at least one        peripheral circuit; and wherein the processing circuit is        configured to close the switch to couple the at least one        peripheral circuit to the supply node.    -   98. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-97 wherein the        timing circuit is configured to activate the processing circuit        at set intervals by causing the processing circuit to exit a        lower-power mode at at least one set time.    -   99. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-98 wherein the        timing circuit is configured to activate the processing circuit        at least at one set time by awakening the processing circuit at        the at least one set time.    -   100. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 91-99, further        comprising:    -   a radio circuit coupled to the supply node and to the processing        circuit; and    -   wherein the timing circuit is configured to activate the radio        circuit at at least one set time.    -   101. An assembly, comprising:    -   a container implantable in a living subject; and    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the container and comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral circuit;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time.    -   102. The assembly of embodiment 101 wherein the container is        implantable in a bone of the living subject.    -   103. The assembly of embodiment 101 wherein the container is        implantable in the proximity of a bone of a living subject.    -   104. The assembly of embodiment 101 wherein the container is        implantable within a breast implant located in a living subject.    -   105. The assembly of embodiments 101-104, further comprising a        battery implantable in the living subject and coupled to the        supply node.    -   106. The assembly of embodiments 101-105, further comprising a        battery implantable in a bone of the living subject and coupled        to the supply node.    -   107. The assembly of embodiments 101-105, further comprising a        battery implantable in the proximity of a bone of the living        subject and coupled to the supply node.    -   108. The assembly of embodiments 101-105, further comprising a        battery implantable within a breast of a living subject and        coupled to the supply node.    -   109. The assembly of embodiments 101-105, further comprising a        battery coupled to the supply node and implantable within a        breast implant that is implanted in a living subject.    -   110. An implantable reporting processor, comprising:    -   a housing configured to fit in a prosthesis;    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the housing and comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral circuit;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time; and    -   a battery disposed in the housing and coupled to the supply        node.    -   111. The implantable reporting processor of embodiment 110        wherein the housing is configured to fit in a tibial extension        of a knee prosthesis.    -   112. The implantable reporting processor of embodiment 110        wherein the housing is configured to fit in a femoral stem of a        hip prosthesis.    -   113. The implantable reporting processor of embodiment 110        wherein the housing is configured to fit in a breast-implant        prosthesis.    -   114. The implantable reporting processor of embodiments 110-113,        further comprising:    -   a cylindrical casing having a diameter and an end;    -   wherein the electronic circuitry is disposed in the casing; and    -   wherein the battery is cylindrical, has approximately the        diameter, and has an end coupled to the end of the casing.    -   115. An implantable reporting processor, comprising:    -   a housing configured to fit in a prosthesis and having a discoid        shape;    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the housing and comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral circuit;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time; and    -   a battery having a discoid shape, having a surface coupled to        the surface of the housing, and coupled to the supply node.    -   116. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a receptacle; and    -   an implantable reporting processor having a coupling section        disposed in the receptacle and including    -   electronic circuitry comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral circuit;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time; and    -   a battery coupled to the supply node.    -   117. The prosthesis of embodiment 116 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is configured to be disposed in a bone of a        living subject.    -   118. The prosthesis of embodiment 116 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is configured to be disposed in proximity to        a bone of a living subject.    -   119. The prosthesis of embodiment 116 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is configured to be disposed in a breast        prosthesis of a living subject.    -   120. The prosthesis of embodiments 116-119, further comprising:    -   a tibial plate; and    -   a tibial extension attached to the tibial plate and including        the receptacle and the implantable reporting processor.    -   121. The prosthesis of embodiments 116-119, further comprising:    -   a femoral head; and    -   a femoral stem attached to the femoral head and including the        receptacle and the implantable reporting processor.    -   122. The prosthesis of embodiments 116-119, further comprising a        breast implant with an internal integrated fixation receptacle        for an implantable reportable processor.    -   123. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including an implantable reporting processor having    -   electronic circuitry comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time; and    -   a battery coupled to the supply node.    -   124. The method of embodiment 123 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a tibia of the living subject.    -   125. The method of embodiment 123 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a femur of the living subject.    -   126. The method of embodiment 123 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is disposed in the cavity.    -   127. The method of embodiments 123-126, further comprising        configuring the timing circuitry or the processing circuitry        such that the battery has a projected lifetime of at least one        year.    -   128. The method of embodiments 123-126, further comprising        configuring the timing circuitry or the processing circuit such        that the battery has a projected lifetime of at least ten years.    -   129. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a hollow region; and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including electronic circuitry comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time; and    -   a battery coupled to the supply node.    -   130. The prosthesis of embodiment 129, further comprising a        member that includes the hollow region and that is configured to        be disposed in a bone of a living subject.    -   131. The prosthesis of embodiment 129, further comprising:    -   a tibial plate; and    -   a tibial extension attached to the tibial plate and including        the hollow region.    -   132. The prosthesis of embodiment 129, further comprising:    -   a femoral head; and    -   a femoral stem attached to the femoral head and including the        hollow region.    -   133. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including a hollow region, and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including electronic circuitry comprising    -   a supply node;    -   at least one peripheral circuit;    -   a processing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured        to couple the at least one peripheral circuit to the supply        node; and    -   a timing circuit coupled to the supply node and configured to        activate the processing circuit at at least one set time; and    -   a battery coupled to the supply node.    -   134. The method of embodiment 133 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a tibia of the living subject.    -   135. The method of embodiment 133 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a femur of the living subject.    -   136. The method of embodiment 133 wherein the hollow region is        disposed in the at least a portion of the prosthesis.    -   137. The method of embodiments 133-136, further comprising        configuring the timing circuit or the processing circuit such        that the battery has a projected lifetime of at least one year.    -   138. The method of embodiments 133-136, further comprising        configuring the timing circuit or the processing circuit such        that the battery has a projected lifetime of at least ten years.    -   139. Electronic circuitry, comprising:    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to an        implantable prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period.    -   140. The electronic circuitry of embodiment 139 wherein the        sensing circuit includes at least one of:    -   an accelerometer configured to generate data indicative of        linear acceleration along a corresponding axis;    -   a gyroscope configured to generate data indicative of rotational        acceleration about a corresponding axis;    -   a pedometer configure to generate data indicative of a number of        steps taken by a subject in which the prosthesis is implanted;    -   a temperature sensor disposed in a location and configured to        generate data indicative of a temperature of the location;    -   a pressure sensor disposed in a location and configured to        generate data indicative of a pressure at the location.    -   141. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 139-140 wherein the        processing circuit is configured to activate the sensing circuit        such that energy consumed during each of the plurality of        periods does not exceed a respective energy consumption for that        period.    -   142. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 139-142 wherein        each period corresponds to a respective time from an implanting        of the prosthesis.    -   143. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 139-143 wherein the        processing circuit comprises a microprocessor.    -   144. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 139-143 wherein the        processing circuit comprises a microcontroller.    -   145. The electronic circuit of embodiments 139-144, further        comprising a timing circuit coupled to the processing circuit        and configured to activate the processing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of the plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period.    -   146. The electronic circuitry of embodiment 145 wherein the        timing circuit comprises a real-time clock.    -   147. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 145-146, further        comprising:    -   a radio circuit coupled to the timing circuit and to the        processing circuit; and    -   wherein the timing circuit is configured to activate the        processing circuit such that energy consumed during each of the        plurality of periods does not exceed a respective energy        consumption for that period.    -   148. The electronic circuitry of embodiments 145-147 wherein a        respective energy-consumption rate during each of the periods is        a function of the period and the energy anticipated to be        consumed by the electronic circuitry during the period.    -   149. An assembly, comprising:    -   a container implantable in a living subject and corresponding to        an implantable prosthesis; and    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the container and comprising    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to the        implantable prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period.    -   150. The assembly of embodiment 149 wherein the container is        implantable in a bone of the living subject.    -   151. The assembly of embodiment 149, further comprising a        battery implantable in the living subject and coupled to the        electronic circuitry.    -   152. The assembly of embodiment 149, further comprising a        battery implantable in a bone of the living subject and coupled        to the electronic circuitry.    -   153. An implantable reporting processor, comprising:    -   a housing configured to fit in a prosthesis;    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the housing and comprising    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to the        prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery disposed in the housing and coupled to the electronic        circuitry.    -   154. The implantable reporting processor of embodiment 153        wherein the housing is configured to fit in a tibial extension        of a knee prosthesis.    -   155. The implantable reporting processor of embodiment 153        wherein the housing is configured to fit in a femoral stem of a        hip prosthesis.    -   156. The implantable reporting processor of embodiment 153,        further comprising:    -   a cylindrical casing having a diameter and an end;    -   wherein the electronic circuitry is disposed in the casing; and    -   wherein the battery is cylindrical, has approximately the        diameter, and has an end coupled to the end of the casing.    -   157. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a receptacle; and    -   an implantable reporting processor having a coupling section        disposed in the receptacle and including    -   electronic circuitry comprising    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to the        prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   158. The prosthesis of embodiment 157 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is configured to be disposed in a bone of a        living subject.    -   159. The prosthesis of embodiment 157, further comprising:    -   a tibial plate; and    -   a tibial extension attached to the tibial plate and including        the receptacle and the implantable reporting processor.    -   160. The prosthesis of embodiment 157, further comprising:    -   a femoral head; and    -   a femoral stem attached to the femoral head and including the        receptacle and the implantable reporting processor.    -   161. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including an implantable reporting processor having    -   electronic circuitry comprising    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to an        implanted prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   162. The method of embodiment 161 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a tibia of the living subject.    -   163. The method of embodiment 161 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a femur of the living subject.    -   164. The method of embodiment 161 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is disposed in the cavity.    -   165. The method of embodiments 161-164, further comprising        configuring the processing circuitry such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least one year.    -   166. The method of embodiments 161-164, further comprising        configuring the processing circuit such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least ten years.    -   167. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a hollow region; and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including electronic circuitry comprising    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to an        implanted prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   168. The prosthesis of embodiment 167, further comprising a        member that includes the hollow region and that is configured to        be disposed in a bone of a living subject.    -   169. The prosthesis of embodiment 167, further comprising:    -   a tibial plate; and    -   a tibial extension attached to the tibial plate and including        the hollow region.    -   170. The prosthesis of embodiment 167, further comprising:    -   a femoral head; and    -   a femoral stem attached to the femoral head and including the        hollow region.    -   171. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including a hollow region, and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including    -   electronic circuitry comprising    -   a sensing circuit configured to generate data in response to an        implanted prosthesis; and    -   a processing circuit coupled to the sensing circuit and        configured to process data from the sensing circuit such that        energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does not        exceed a respective energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   172. The method of embodiment 171 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a tibia of the living subject.    -   173. The method of embodiment 171 wherein forming the cavity        includes forming the cavity in a femur of the living subject.    -   174. The method of embodiment 171 wherein the hollow region is        disposed in the at least a portion of the prosthesis.    -   175. The method of embodiments 171-174, further comprising        configuring the processing circuit such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least one year.    -   176. The method of embodiments 171-174, further comprising        configuring the processing circuit such that the battery has a        projected lifetime of at least ten years.    -   177. An assembly, comprising:    -   a container implantable in a living subject and corresponding to        an implantable prosthesis; and    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the container and configured        such that energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods        does not exceed a respective energy consumption for that period.    -   178. An implantable reporting processor, comprising:    -   a housing configured to fit in a prosthesis;    -   electronic circuitry disposed in the housing configured such        that energy consumed during each of a plurality of periods does        not exceed a respective energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery disposed in the housing and coupled to the electronic        circuitry.    -   179. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a receptacle; and    -   an implantable reporting processor having a coupling section        disposed in the receptacle and including    -   electronic circuitry configured such that energy consumed during        each of a plurality of periods does not exceed a respective        energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   180. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including an implantable reporting processor having    -   electronic circuitry configured such that energy consumed during        each of a plurality of periods does not exceed a respective        energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   181. A prosthesis, comprising:    -   a hollow region; and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including    -   electronic circuitry configured such that energy consumed during        each of a plurality of periods does not exceed a respective        energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   182. A method, comprising:    -   forming a cavity in a bone of a living subject; and    -   inserting at least a portion of a prosthesis in the cavity, the        prosthesis including    -   a hollow region, and    -   an implantable reporting processor disposed in the hollow region        and including    -   electronic circuitry configured such that energy consumed during        each of a plurality of periods does not exceed a respective        energy consumption for that period; and    -   a battery coupled to the electronic circuitry.    -   183. A base station, comprising:    -   a first circuit configured to communicate with an implantable        reporting processor; and    -   a second circuit configured to communicate with a computing        system.    -   184. The base station of embodiment 183 wherein the first        circuit comprises a first antenna and a first radio circuit.    -   185. The base station of embodiment 183 wherein the second        circuit comprises a second antenna and a second radio circuit.    -   186. The base station of embodiment 183 wherein the second        circuit comprises a universal-serial-bus circuit.    -   187. The base station of embodiments 183-186, further comprising        a processing circuit configured to control the first and second        circuits.    -   188. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit comprises a microprocessor.    -   189. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit comprises a microcontroller.    -   190. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to generate and to send control        information to the implantable reporting processor via the first        circuit.    -   191. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to generate and to send configuration        information to the implantable reporting processor via the first        circuit.    -   192. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to receive control information from the        computing system via the second circuit and to send the control        information to the implantable reporting processor via the first        circuit.    -   193. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to receive configuration information form        the computing system via the second circuit and to send the        configuration information to the implantable reporting processor        via the first circuit.    -   194. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to receive information from the        implantable reporting processor via the first circuit and to        send the information to the computing system via the second        circuit.    -   195. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to receive, from the implantable reporting        processor via the first circuit, information related to an        implanted prosthesis, and to send the information to the        computing system via the second circuit.    -   196. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to request information from the        implantable reporting processor via the first circuit and to        receive the requested information from the implantable reporting        processor via the first circuit.    -   197. The base station of embodiment 187 wherein the processing        circuit is configured to receive, from the computing system via        the second circuit, a request for information, to send a request        for the information to the implantable reporting processor via        the first circuit, to receive the requested information from the        implantable reporting processor via the first circuit, and to        send the received information to the computing system via the        second circuit.    -   198. The base station of embodiments 183-197 wherein the        computing system comprises a personal computer.    -   199. The base station of embodiments 183-197 wherein the        computing system comprises a smart phone.    -   200. The base station of embodiments 183-197 wherein the        computing system comprises a tablet computer.    -   201. The base station of embodiments 183-197 wherein the        computing system comprises a server computer.    -   202. The base station of embodiments 183-197 wherein the        computing system comprises a cloud-based server.    -   203. A system, comprising:    -   an implantable reporting processor; and    -   a base station configured to communicate with the implantable        reporting processor and with a computing system.    -   204. The system of embodiment 203 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is disposed in a prosthesis.    -   205. The system of embodiment 203 wherein the implantable        reporting processor forms part of a prosthesis.    -   206. The system of embodiment 203 wherein the implantable        reporting processor is related to a prosthesis.    -   207. The system of embodiments 203-206, further comprising:    -   an implantable prosthesis; and    -   wherein the implantable reporting processor is disposed in the        implantable prosthesis.    -   208. The system of embodiments 203-206, further comprising:    -   an implantable prosthesis; and    -   wherein the implantable reporting processor forms part of the        implantable prosthesis.    -   209. The system of embodiments 203-206, further comprising:    -   an implantable prosthesis; and    -   wherein the implantable reporting processor is related to the        implantable prosthesis.    -   210. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command device configured to communicate with the base        station and to receive from a patient in which the implantable        reporting processor is implanted information regarding a health        status of the patient.    -   211. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command device configured to communicate with the base        station and to receive from a patient in which the implantable        reporting processor is implanted voice information regarding a        health status of the patient.    -   212. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command configured to communicate with the base station        and to provide to a patient information regarding the        implantable reporting processor.    -   213. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command configured to communicate with the base station        and to provide to a patient voice information regarding the        implantable reporting processor.    -   214. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command configured to communicate with the base station        and to provide to a patient information regarding a prosthetic        including the implantable reporting processor.    -   215. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command configured to communicate with the base station        and to provide to a patient voice information regarding a        prosthetic including the implantable reporting processor.    -   216. The system of embodiments 203-209, further comprising:    -   a voice-command configured to communicate with the base station        and to provide to a patient voice information regarding a        prosthetic including the implantable reporting processor and        implanted in the patient.    -   217. A method, comprising:    -   establishing a communication channel between a base station and        an implantable reporting processor; and    -   transferring information over the channel between the base        station and the implantable reporting processor.    -   218. The method of embodiment 217 wherein establishing a        communication channel comprises:    -   polling the implantable reporting processor with the base        station; and    -   responding to the base station with the implantable reporting        processor.    -   219. The method of embodiment 217 wherein establishing a        communication channel comprises:    -   polling the implantable reporting processor with the base        station; and    -   responding to the base station with the implantable reporting        processor only during a window during which the implantable        reporting processor is configured to respond.    -   220. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises sending configuration data from the base        station to the implantable reporting processor to configure the        implantable reporting processor.    -   221. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises sending configuration data from the base        station to the implantable reporting processor to change a        configuration of the implantable reporting processor.    -   222. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises sending, with the base station, control        information to the implantable reporting processor.    -   223. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises receiving, with the base station, control        information from a computing system and sending, with the base        station, the control information to the implantable reporting        processor.    -   224. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises receiving, with the base station,        configuration information from a computing system, and sending,        with the base station, the configuration information to the        implantable reporting processor.    -   225. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises receiving, with the base station,        information from the implantable reporting processor, and        sending, with the base station, the information to a computing        system.    -   226. The method of embodiment 217 wherein transferring        information comprises receiving, with the base station from the        implantable reporting processor, information related to an        implanted prosthesis, and sending, with the base station, the        information to a computing system.    -   227. A kinematic implantable device, comprising:    -   an inertial measurement unit to measure a plurality of kinematic        characteristics associated with a movement of a body part of a        human, the kinematic implantable device being associated with        the body part;    -   a radio to communicate with a base station that is outside of        the human;    -   a memory arranged to store instructions, configuration        information, and data produced by the inertial measurement unit;    -   a processor that executes the stored instructions to perform        actions, the actions including:    -   receiving the configuration information from the base station        via the radio, the configuration information defining at least        one parameter associated with collection of data by the inertial        measurement unit;    -   storing the configuration information in the memory;    -   occasionally collecting, from the inertial measurement unit,        data for at least one of the plurality of kinematic        characteristics, the collecting occurring based on the        configuration information;    -   storing the collected data in the memory;    -   receiving a request for the stored collected data from the base        station when the kinematic implantable device is in        communication range of the base station;    -   in response to receiving the request for the stored collected        data, communicating the stored collected data to the base        station via the radio; and    -   when not collecting data from the inertial measurement unit,        disabling at least a portion of the inertial measurement unit to        save power;    -   a power supply to provide power to the memory, the inertial        measurement unit, the radio, and the processor; and    -   a shell to house the power supply, the memory, the processor,        the inertial measurement unit, and the radio to enable        substantially permanent implantation of the kinematic        implantable device into the body part.    -   228. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        the processor executes the instructions to perform further        actions, including:    -   receiving a request from a doctor office base station via the        radio to enter a high-resolution mode to temporarily increase an        amount of data collected by the kinematic implantable device;    -   collecting, from the inertial measurement unit, high-resolution        data associated with at least some of the plurality of kinematic        characteristics;    -   storing the high-resolution data in the memory; and    -   after termination of the high-resolution mode, communicating the        high-resolution data to the doctor office base station via the        radio.    -   229. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        the processor executes the instructions to perform further        actions, including:    -   collecting, from the inertial measurement unit, high-resolution        data associated with at least some of the plurality of kinematic        characteristics; and    -   communicating, via the radio, the high-resolution data to a        doctor office base station wherein the doctor office base        station is different from the base station.    -   230. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        the processor executes the instructions to perform further        actions, including:    -   purging at least some of the stored collected data from the        memory after the stored collected data is communicated from the        kinematic implantable device.    -   231. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        the processor executes the instructions to perform further        actions, including:    -   receiving updated configuration information from a home base        station; and    -   storing the updated configuration information in the memory.    -   232. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        receiving the configuration information includes receiving the        configuration information from an operating room base station        via the radio and wherein receiving the request for the stored        collected data includes receiving the request from a home base        station that is different from the operating room base station.    -   233. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        the inertial measurement unit includes an accelerometer and a        gyroscope.    -   234. The kinematic implantable device of embodiment 227, wherein        the processor executes the instructions to perform further        actions, including:    -   transitioning between different modes of operation to collect        data from the inertial measurement unit at different rates.    -   235. A method, comprising:    -   receiving, at a kinematic implantable device, configuration        information from a base station, the configuration information        defining at least one parameter associated with collection of        data by an inertial measurement unit of the kinematic        implantable device;    -   storing the configuration information in a memory of the        kinematic implantable device;    -   occasionally collecting, from the inertial measurement unit,        data for at least one of the plurality of kinematic        characteristics, the collecting occurring based on the        configuration information;    -   storing the collected data in the memory;    -   receiving a request for the stored collected data from the base        station when the kinematic implantable device is in        communication range of the base station;    -   in response to receiving the request for the stored collected        data, transmitting the stored collected data to the base station        via the radio; and    -   when not collecting data from the inertial measurement unit,        reducing power consumption of the kinematic implantable device        by disabling at least a portion of the inertial measurement        unit.    -   236. The method of embodiment 235, further comprising:    -   receiving a request from a doctor office base station via the        radio to enter a high-resolution mode to temporarily increase an        amount of data collected by the kinematic implantable device;    -   collecting, from the inertial measurement unit, high-resolution        data for the plurality of kinematic characteristics;    -   storing the high-resolution data in the memory; and    -   after termination of the high-resolution mode, communicating the        high-resolution data to the doctor office base station via the        radio.    -   237. The method of embodiment 235, further comprising:    -   purging the stored collected data from the memory after the        stored collected data is communicated to the base station.    -   238. The method of embodiment 235, further comprising:    -   receiving updated configuration information from a home base        station; and    -   storing the updated configuration information in the memory.    -   239. The method of embodiment 235, wherein receiving the        configuration information includes receiving the configuration        information from an operating room base station via the radio        and wherein receiving the request for the stored collected data        includes receiving the request from a home base station that is        separate from the operating room base station.    -   240. The method of embodiment 235, further comprising:    -   transitioning between different modes of operation to collect        data from the inertial measurement unit at different rates.    -   241. A processor-readable non-transitory storage media having        stored contents that cause a kinematic implantable device to        perform actions, the actions comprising:    -   receiving, at the kinematic implantable device, configuration        information from a base station, the configuration information        defining at least one parameter associated with collection of        data by an inertial measurement unit of the kinematic        implantable device;    -   storing the configuration information in a memory of the        kinematic implantable device;    -   collecting, from the inertial measurement unit at a determined        time, data for at least one of the plurality of kinematic        characteristics, the collecting occurring based on at least some        of the configuration information;    -   storing the collected data in the memory;    -   receiving a request for the stored collected data from the base        station when the kinematic implantable device is in        communication range of the base station;    -   in response to receiving the request for the stored collected        data, communicating the stored collected data to the base        station via the radio; and    -   when not collecting data from the inertial measurement unit,        disabling at least a portion of the inertial measurement unit to        save power.    -   242. The processor-readable non-transitory storage media of        embodiment 241, wherein the stored contents further cause the        kinematic implantable device to perform further actions,        comprising:    -   receiving a request from a doctor office base station via the        radio to enter a high-resolution mode to temporarily increase an        amount of data collected by the kinematic implantable device;    -   collecting, from the inertial measurement unit, high-resolution        data for the plurality of kinematic characteristics;    -   storing the high-resolution data in the memory; and    -   after termination of the high-resolution mode, transmitting the        high-resolution data to the doctor office base station via the        radio.    -   243. The processor-readable non-transitory storage media of        embodiment 241, wherein the stored contents further cause the        kinematic implantable device to perform further actions,        comprising:    -   purging the stored collected data from the memory after the        stored collected data is communicated from the kinematic        implantable device.    -   244. The processor-readable non-transitory storage media of        embodiment 241, wherein the stored contents further cause the        kinematic implantable device to perform further actions,        comprising:    -   receiving updated configuration information from a home base        station; and    -   storing the updated configuration information in the memory.    -   245. The processor-readable non-transitory storage media of        embodiment 241, wherein receiving the configuration information        includes receiving the configuration information from an        operating room base station via the radio and wherein receiving        the request for the stored collected data includes receiving the        request from a home base station that is remote from the        operating room base station.    -   246. The processor-readable non-transitory storage media of        embodiment 241, wherein the stored contents further cause the        kinematic implantable device to perform further actions,        comprising:    -   transitioning between different modes of operation to collect        data from the inertial measurement unit at different rates.    -   247. A base station for use in an operating room, comprising:    -   a radio to communicate with a kinematic implantable device that        is associated with a body part of a patient;    -   a memory arranged to store instructions and configuration        information for the kinematic implantable device;    -   a processor that executes the stored instructions to perform        actions, the actions including:    -   receiving the configuration information, the configuration        information setting at least one parameter that defines the        kinematic implantable device collection of data on a movement of        the body part in which the kinematic implantable device is        associated;    -   establishing a connection with the kinematic implantable device        via the radio; and    -   providing the configuration information to the kinematic        implantable device via the radio, the configuration information        is stored on the kinematic implantable device to initialize the        kinematic implantable device;    -   a power supply to provide power to the memory, the radio, and        the processor; and    -   a housing to encase the memory, the processor, and the radio.    -   248. The base station of embodiment 247, further comprising:    -   a communication interface to communicate with another computing        device;    -   wherein the configuration information is received from the other        computing device via the communication interface;    -   249. The base station of embodiment 247, further comprising:    -   a communication interface to communicate with another computing        device; and    -   wherein the processor executes the instructions to perform        further actions, including:    -   receiving a confirmation message from the kinematic implantable        device indicating that the kinematic implantable device is        initialized; and providing the confirmation message to the other        computing device via the communication interface.    -   250. The base station of embodiment 247, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving information from a medical practitioner to indicate a        rate at which the kinematic implantable device collects data;        and    -   providing the information to the kinematic implantable device.    -   251. A base station for use in a patient's medical        practitioner's office, comprising:    -   a radio to communicate with a kinematic implantable device that        is associated with a body part of the patient;    -   a memory arranged to store instructions and data received from        the kinematic implantable device;    -   a processor that executes the stored instructions to perform        actions, the actions including:    -   establishing a connection with the kinematic implantable device        via the radio;    -   providing a request, via the radio, to the kinematic implantable        device to temporarily modify at least one parameter associated        with collection of data by the kinematic implantable device;    -   receiving the collected data from the kinematic implantable        device via the radio; and    -   enabling display of the collected data to a medical        practitioner;    -   a power supply to provide power to the memory, the radio, and        the processor; and    -   a housing to encase the memory, the processor, and the radio.    -   252. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein providing the        request to the kinematic implantable device to temporarily        modify the at least one parameter associated with the collection        of data by the kinematic implantable device, includes:    -   providing a request to the kinematic implantable device to enter        a high-resolution mode to temporarily increase an amount of data        collected by the kinematic implantable device during the        high-resolution mode.    -   253. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein providing the        request to the kinematic implantable device to temporarily        modify the at least one parameter associated with the collection        of data by the kinematic implantable device, includes:    -   providing a request to the kinematic implantable device to enter        a high-resolution mode to temporarily change a type of data        collected by the kinematic implantable device during the        high-resolution mode.    -   254. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   in response to termination of the temporary modification to the        at least one parameter, providing another request, via the        radio, to the kinematic implantable device for the kinematic        implantable device to communicate the collected data to the base        station.    -   255. The base station of embodiment 251, further comprising:    -   a communication interface to communicate with another computing        device;    -   wherein the processor executes the instructions to perform        further actions, including:    -   receiving the request from the other computing device via the        communication interface; and    -   providing the collected data to the other computing device via        the communication interface.    -   256. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   providing the collected data to a cloud database;    -   257. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving at least one event marker from the medical        practitioner;    -   storing a timestamp for each of the at least one received event        marker; and    -   synchronizing the stored timestamps with the collected data.    -   258. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving configuration information, the configuration        information defining the at least one parameter associated with        the collection of data by the kinematic; and    -   providing the configuration information to the kinematic        implantable device via the radio.    -   259. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving information from another computing device, the        information modifying a rate at which the kinematic implantable        device collects data; and    -   providing the information to the kinematic implantable device.    -   260. The base station of embodiment 251, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving information from another computing device, the        information modifying a type of data collected by the kinematic        implantable device; and    -   providing the information to the kinematic implantable device.    -   261. A base station for use in a patient's home, comprising:    -   a radio to communicate with a kinematic implantable device that        is associated with a body part of the patient;    -   a network communication interface to communicate with a cloud        database;    -   a memory arranged to store instructions and data collected by        the kinematic implantable device;    -   a processor that executes the stored instructions to perform        actions, the actions including:    -   registering the kinematic implantable device with the base        station via the radio;    -   broadcasting a first request for registered kinematic        implantable devices within communication range of the radio to        respond to the base station;    -   in response to receiving a response from the kinematic        implantable device, providing a second request, to the kinematic        implantable device via the radio, to transmit the collected data        from the kinematic implantable device to the base station;    -   receiving the collected data from the kinematic implantable        device via the radio; and    -   providing the collected data to the cloud database via the        network communication interface;    -   a power supply to provide power to the memory, the radio, the        communication interface, and the processor; and    -   a housing to encase the memory, the processor, the communication        interface, and the radio.    -   262. The base station of embodiment 261, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving configuration information from another computing        device via the network communication interface, the        configuration information defining at least one parameter for        the kinematic implantable device to collect data on a movement        of the body part in which the kinematic implantable device is        associated; and    -   providing the configuration information to the kinematic        implantable device via the radio.    -   263. The base station of embodiment 261, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving information from another computing device via the        network communication interface, the information modifying a        rate at which the kinematic implantable device collects data;        and    -   providing the information to the kinematic implantable device.    -   264. The base station of embodiment 261, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   receiving information from another computing device via the        network communication interface, the information modifying a        type of data collected by the kinematic implantable device; and    -   providing the information to the kinematic implantable device.    -   265. The base station of embodiment 261, wherein transmitting        the first request includes:    -   determining that a current time of the base station is within a        predetermined communication window; and    -   in response to the current time being within the communication        window, broadcasting the first request.    -   266. The base station of embodiment 261, wherein the processor        executes the instructions to perform further actions, including:    -   determining if a current time of the base station is within a        communication window;    -   in response to the current time being within the communication        window, broadcasting the first request; and    -   in response to the current time being outside the communication        window, waiting for the current time to be within the        communication window.    -   267. A distributed computing system, comprising:    -   a network of computing server devices having at least one        computing server;    -   a network interface coupled to the network of computing server        devices and arranged to concurrently maintain a plurality of        communicative channels, each communicative channel providing a        peer-to-peer channel to communicate information between the        network of computing server devices and a remote computing        device;    -   a database to store records associated with a plurality of        implantable reporting processors (IRPs), each implantable        reporting processor (IRP) having a unique identifier different        from each other IRP; and    -   a query processor arranged to receive and fulfill information        requests, including a first information request, wherein the        first information request includes:    -   a request from a first remote computing device to send first        information to the network of computing server devices for        storage in the database, the first information including:        -   a first unique identifier of a first IRP;        -   first data, e.g., first kinematic data, collected by the            first IRP; and        -   a timestamp associated with the first data.    -   268. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 267,        further comprising:    -   at least one memory to store executable software instructions;    -   at least one processor to execute at least some of the        executable software instructions, where at least some of the        executable software instructions are arranged to obfuscate        personal information associated with patients who have at least        one IRP.    -   269. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 267,        wherein a firmware information request received and fulfilled by        the query processor includes:    -   a request from the first remote computing device to receive        firmware information from the network of computing server        devices, the firmware information including:    -   the first unique identifier of the first IRP, e.g., an IRP        associated with a first kinematic implantable device; and    -   updated firmware for the first kinematic implantable device.    -   270. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 267,        wherein the first remote computing device is a base station        device arranged to wirelessly communicate with the at least the        first IRP, e.g., an IRP associated with a first kinematic        implantable device.    -   271. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 270,        wherein the first remote computing device is a home base station        device arranged to wirelessly communicate with only a single        IRP, e.g., a single IRP associated with a kinematic implantable        device.    -   272. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 270,        wherein the first remote computing device is a doctor office        base station device arranged to wirelessly communicate with a        plurality of IRPs, e.g., a plurality of IRPs associated with a        plurality of kinematic implantable devices.    -   273. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 270,        wherein the first remote computing device is an operating room        base station device arranged to wirelessly communicate with the        first IRP, e.g., a first IRP in a first kinematic implantable        device, before the first IRP is implanted and after the first        IRP is implanted.    -   274. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 267,        wherein one or more records stored in the database are linkable        together to form an operational timeline for the first IRP,        e.g., a first IRP associated with a first kinematic implantable        device, the operational timeline for the first IRP including a        plurality of records that together include all of the data,        e.g., all of the kinematic data, associated with the first IRP        that is stored in the database, the operational timeline for the        first IRP.    -   275. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 274,        wherein the operational timeline for the first IRP, where the        first IRP may be associated with a first kinematic implantable        device, is organizable based at least in part on a timestamp        associated with each element of data, e.g., kinematic data, that        was collected by the first IRP or the first kinematic        implantable device.    -   276. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 274,        wherein the operational timeline for the first IRP, e.g., a        first IRP associated with a first kinematic implantable device,        is organizable based at least in part on a type of data, e.g.,        kinematic data, collected by the first IRP, e.g., the first IRP        associated with a first kinematic implantable device.    -   277. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 271,        wherein the information requests received and fulfilled by the        query processor include:    -   a plurality of requests sent on a substantially periodic        schedule from the first remote computing device to send        additional data, e.g., additional kinematic data, to the network        of computing server devices for storage in the database, each of        the plurality of requests sent on the substantially periodic        schedule including:    -   the first unique identifier of the first IRP, e.g., the first        IRP associated with a first kinematic implantable device;    -   updated data, e.g., updated kinematic data, collected by the        first IRP, e.g., the first IRP associated with the first        kinematic implantable device; and    -   an updated timestamp associated with the updated data, e.g.,        updated kinematic data.    -   278. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 272,        wherein the information requests received and fulfilled by the        query processor include:    -   a request from the first remote computing device to send        high-resolution data, e.g., high resolution kinematic data, to        the network of computing server devices for storage in the        database, the request to send high-resolution data including:    -   the first unique identifier of the first IRP, e.g., the first        IRP associated with a first kinematic implantable device;    -   high-resolution data, e.g., high-resolution kinematic data,        collected by the IRP, e.g., the first IRP associated with a        first kinematic implantable device; and    -   a timestamp associated with the high-resolution data, e.g., the        high-solution kinematic data.    -   279. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 278,        wherein the first information includes notes provided by a        medical practitioner.    -   280. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 273,        wherein the information requests received and fulfilled by the        query processor include:    -   a request from the first remote computing device to send        implantation data, e.g., implantation kinematic data, to the        network of computing server devices for storage in the database,        the request to send implantation data, e.g., implantation        kinematic data, including:    -   the first unique identifier of the first IRP, e.g., the first        IRP associated with a first kinematic implantable device;    -   a patient identifier associated with the first IRP;    -   an anatomical identifier associated with the first IRP;    -   a medical practitioner identifier associated with a medical        procedure to implant the first IRP;    -   a medical facility identifier associated with a medical        procedure to implant the first IRP; and    -   a timestamp associated with the medical procedure to implant the        first IRP, e.g., the first IRP associated with the first        kinematic implantable device.    -   281. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 267,        wherein a second information request received and fulfilled by        the query processor includes:    -   a request from a second remote computing device to receive        aggregated information from the database, the aggregated        information including:    -   a plurality of records wherein each of the plurality of records        shares a common characteristic.    -   282. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 281,        wherein the common characteristic is the first unique identifier        of the first IRP or a first kinematic implantable device which        is associated with the first IRP.    -   283. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 281,        wherein the common characteristic is a same type of IRP or        kinematic implantable device.    -   284. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 281,        wherein the common characteristic is a same anatomical        identifier.    -   285. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 281,        wherein the common characteristic is a same medical practitioner        identifier.    -   286. A distributed computing system according to embodiment 281,        wherein the common characteristic is a same medical facility        identifier.

In embodiments, the base station has voice-command (also known as voicecontrolled) capability. In other words, a person such as the patient ora health care professional may speak to the base station and the basestation will respond appropriately. For instance, the person may say tothe base station that the implant feels uncomfortable, and in responsethe base station will record that information along with a record ofwhen that statement was made. The base station may be programmed toquery the implantable reporting processor in response to certain verbalinformation provided by a person, so as to obtain and store additionalinformation about the implant from the IRP to thereby be in a positionto provide supplemental information to the patient, health careprofessional, etc. In addition, or alternatively, a person may be ableto command the voice-command feature to verbally report informationabout the status of the prosthesis or IPR.

For example, in one embodiment the present disclosure provides a basestation comprising a first circuit configured to communicate with animplantable reporting processor; a second circuit configured tocommunicate with a computing system; and additional circuitry as neededto provide the base station with voice-command (also known as voicecontrolled) capability, where a third circuit may optionally be employedand configured to communicate with the patient in a voice controlledmanner. Optionally, the third circuit comprises an antenna and a radiocircuit, e.g., a third antenna and a third radio circuit, and the basestation has a processing circuit configured to control the first, secondand third circuits. The processing circuit may be configured to receiveinput from the patient and send information to the first and/or thesecond circuits.

The base station of each of embodiments 183-202 may incorporate thevoice-command feature, or equivalently, a device having voice-commandfeatures may be modified or supplemented to incorporate the features ofthe base stations of any of embodiments 183-202. In either event, thepatient is able to verbally communicate with a voice-command device inorder to place additional information into the record that is beinggenerated by the IRP interacting with the base station. For example, thecomputing system may comprise a voice-command device.

As another example, in one embodiment the present disclosure provides asystem comprising an implantable reporting processor and a base station,where the base station is configured to communicate with the implantablereporting processor, with a computing system, and with a voice-commanddevice. Optionally, the voice-command device is incorporated into thebase station so that the patient sees a single device.

The base station in each of embodiments 203-216 may incorporate thevoice-command feature, or the system of each of embodiments 203-216 mayadditionally comprise a voice-command device that is able tocommunication with the patient and with the base station. In eitherevent, the patient is able to verbally communicate with a voice-commanddevice present in the system of embodiments 203-216 in order to placeadditional information into the record that is being generated by theIRP interacting with the base station. For example, the presentdisclosure provides a system, such as the system of embodiments 203-209,further comprising a voice-command device configured to communicate withthe base station and to receive from a patient in which the implantablereporting processor is implanted information regarding a health statusof the patient. As another example, the present disclosure provides thesystem of embodiments 203-209, further comprising a voice-commandfeature configured to communicate with the base station and to provideto a patient voice information regarding a prosthetic including theimplantable reporting processor and the prosthesis implanted in thepatient.

As another example, the present disclosure provides a method comprisingestablishing a communication channel between a base station and animplantable reporting processor; and transferring information over thechannel between the base station and the implantable reportingprocessor, where the method further comprises having the base stationrespond to a verbal command from a person, such as the patient or ahealth care professional.

The base station in each of the methods of embodiments 217-226 mayincorporate the voice-command feature, or equivalently, a device havingvoice-command features may be modified or supplemented to incorporatethe features of the base stations of any of the methods of embodiments221-226. In either event, the patient is able to verbally communicatewith a voice-command device in order to place additional informationinto the record that is being generated by the IRP interacting with thebase station, and the methods of the present disclosure include thisfeature.

The base stations of each of embodiments 247-266 may incorporate thevoice-command feature, or equivalently, a device having voice-commandfeatures may be modified or supplemented to incorporate the features ofthe base stations of any of embodiments 247-266. In either event, aperson is able to verbally communicate with a voice-command device inorder to place additional information into the record that is beinggenerated by the IRP interacting with the base station and/or in orderto obtain information concerning the prosthesis.

For example, a base station for use in an operating room, comprises: aradio to communicate with a kinematic implantable device that isassociated with a body part of a patient; a memory arranged to storeinstructions and configuration information for the kinematic implantabledevice; a processor that executes the stored instructions to performactions, the actions including: receiving the configuration information,the configuration information setting at least one parameter thatdefines the kinematic implantable device collection of data on amovement of the body part in which the kinematic implantable device isassociated; establishing a connection with the kinematic implantabledevice via the radio; and providing the configuration information to thekinematic implantable device via the radio, the configurationinformation is stored on the kinematic implantable device to initializethe kinematic implantable device; a power supply to provide power to thememory, the radio, and the processor; and a housing to encase thememory, the processor, and the radio, and may additionally comprise avoice-command feature whereby a person in the operating room mayverbally input information into the record being generated, or may querythe voice-command feature to obtain information about the state of theprosthesis.

As another example, a base station for use in a patient's medicalpractitioner's office, comprises: a radio to communicate with akinematic implantable device that is associated with a body part of thepatient; a memory arranged to store instructions and data received fromthe kinematic implantable device; a processor that executes the storedinstructions to perform actions, the actions including: establishing aconnection with the kinematic implantable device via the radio;providing a request, via the radio, to the kinematic implantable deviceto temporarily modify at least one parameter associated with collectionof data by the kinematic implantable device; receiving the collecteddata from the kinematic implantable device via the radio; and enablingdisplay of the collected data to a medical practitioner; a power supplyto provide power to the memory, the radio, and the processor; and ahousing to encase the memory, the processor, and the radio, and mayadditionally comprise a voice-command feature whereby a person in thepatient's medical practitioner's office may verbally input informationinto the record being generated, or may query the voice-command featureto obtain information about the state of the prosthesis at the presenttime or at a past time.

As another example, a base station for use in a patient's home,comprises: a radio to communicate with a kinematic implantable devicethat is associated with a body part of the patient; a networkcommunication interface to communicate with a cloud database; a memoryarranged to store instructions and data collected by the kinematicimplantable device; a processor that executes the stored instructions toperform actions, the actions including: registering the kinematicimplantable device with the base station via the radio; broadcasting afirst request for registered kinematic implantable devices withincommunication range of the radio to respond to the base station; inresponse to receiving a response from the kinematic implantable device,providing a second request, to the kinematic implantable device via theradio, to transmit the collected data from the kinematic implantabledevice to the base station; receiving the collected data from thekinematic implantable device via the radio; and providing the collecteddata to the cloud database via the network communication interface; apower supply to provide power to the memory, the radio, thecommunication interface, and the processor; and a housing to encase thememory, the processor, the communication interface, and the radio, andmay additionally comprise a voice-command feature whereby the patientmay verbally input information into the record being generated, or mayquery the voice-command feature to obtain information about the state ofthe prosthesis at the present time or at a past time.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting. It is further to be understood that unless specificallydefined herein, the terminology used herein is to be given itstraditional meaning as known in the relevant art.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” and variations thereof means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents, i.e., one or more,unless the content and context clearly dictates otherwise. It shouldalso be noted that the conjunctive terms, “and” and “or” are generallyemployed in the broadest sense to include “and/or” unless the contentand context clearly dictates inclusivity or exclusivity as the case maybe. Thus, the use of the alternative (e.g., “or”) should be understoodto mean either one, both, or any combination thereof of thealternatives. In addition, the composition of “and” and “or” whenrecited herein as “and/or” is intended to encompass an embodiment thatincludes all of the associated items or ideas and one or more otheralternative embodiments that include fewer than all of the associateditems or ideas.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims that follow, the word “comprise” and synonyms and variantsthereof such as “have” and “include”, as well as variations thereof suchas “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, e.g., “including, but not limited to.” The term“consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specifiedmaterials or steps, or to those that do not materially affect the basicand novel characteristics of the claimed invention.

As described herein, for simplicity, a patient, clinician, or anotherhuman may in some cases be described in the context of the male gender.It is understood that a medical practitioner can be of any gender, andthe terms “he,” “his,” “himself,” and the like as used herein are to beinterpreted broadly inclusive of all known gender definitions.

Any headings used within this document are only being utilized toexpedite its review by the reader, and should not be construed aslimiting the invention or claims in any manner. Thus, the headings andAbstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only anddo not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

In the foregoing description, certain specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments.However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodimentsmay be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures associated with electronic and computing systemsincluding client and server computing systems, as well as networks havenot been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuringdescriptions of the embodiments.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can also be used in the practice or testing of thepresent invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods andmaterials are described herein. Generally, unless otherwise indicated,the materials for making the invention and/or its components may beselected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys,ceramics, plastics, etc.

Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both ofthose included limits are also included in the invention.

For example, any concentration range, percentage range, ratio range, orinteger range provided herein is to be understood to include the valueof any integer within the recited range and, when appropriate, fractionsthereof (such as one tenth and one hundredth of an integer), unlessotherwise indicated. Also, any number range recited herein relating toany physical feature, such as polymer subunits, size or thickness, areto be understood to include any integer within the recited range, unlessotherwise indicated. As used herein, the term “about” means±20% of theindicated range, value, or structure, unless otherwise indicated.

All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S.patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications andnon-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listedin the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, intheir entireties. Such documents may be incorporated by reference forthe purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, materials andmethodologies described in the publications, which might be used inconnection with the presently described invention. The publicationsdiscussed above and throughout the text are provided solely for theirdisclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothingherein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are notentitled to antedate any referenced publication by virtue of priorinvention.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not beconstrued to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed inthe specification and the claims, but should be construed to include allpossible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: implanting a portion of aprosthesis into a cavity in a tibia, the prosthesis including animplantable reporting processor having an outer casing enclosing anantenna, electronic circuitry, and a battery; the outer casingcomprising a radome at a first end that covers at least a portion of theantenna, where the radome comprises a plastic material that allows RFsignals to propagate to and from the antenna through the radome; whereinimplanting a portion of the prosthesis into the cavity comprises firstinserting the first end of the outer casing into the cavity.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the prosthesis includes a tibial plate, themethod further comprising: coupling the casing of the implantablereporting processor to the tibial plate.
 3. The method of claim 2further comprising using a set screw to secure the casing of theimplantable reporting processor to the tibial plate.
 4. The method ofclaim 2, wherein: the casing of the implantable reporting processorcomprises a central section and a coupling section, the tibial platecomprises a receptacle, and coupling the casing of the implantablereporting processor to the tibial plate comprises inserting the couplingsection and a portion of the central section into the receptacle.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the portion of the central section insertedinto the receptacle surrounds a portion of the battery.
 6. The method ofclaim 4, wherein a portion of the casing of the implantable reportingprocessor is outside of the receptacle and the portion of the casingoutside of the receptacle comprises the electronic circuitry and theantenna.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein a portion of the casing ofthe implantable reporting processor is outside of the receptacle and theportion of the casing outside of the receptacle comprises a portion ofthe battery.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the radome comprises aclosed end that defines an end of the implantable reporting processor.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the radome comprises a taperedsidewall.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the tapered sidewallreduces in size from a first outer-surface dimension at a first regionof the tapered sidewall away from a closed end of the radome, to asecond outer-surface dimension less than the first outer-surfacedimension at a second region of the tapered sidewall near the closedend.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the antenna comprises a singleloop that extends within the radome between the first region of thetapered sidewall to the second region of the tapered sidewall.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the implantable reporting processor comprisesa biocompatible material within the radome.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the biocompatible material fills the radome.
 14. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the radome is void of air.
 15. The method of claim 1,further comprising configuring the electronic circuitry such that thebattery has a projected lifetime of at least one year.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising configuring the electronic circuitry suchthat the battery has a projected lifetime of at least ten years.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitry comprises a timingcircuit, a processing circuit, and an inertial measurement unit, andfurther comprising configuring the timing circuit to activate theprocessing circuit to selectively couple to the inertial measurementunit at one or more programmed times per day.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the electronic circuitry comprises a timing circuit, aprocessing circuit, and an inertial measurement unit, and furthercomprising configuring the timing circuit to activate the processingcircuit to selectively couple to the inertial measurement unit a numberof times per day.